Bunny is a unique and charming given name of English origin. It is derived from the word "bunny," which refers to a small, fast-moving rabbit. The name Bunny was popularized in the United States during the early 20th century, often used as a nickname or pet name for girls born around Easter time.
The meaning behind the name Bunny is associated with the attributes of a rabbit: gentleness, playfulness, and swiftness. It evokes images of springtime, new beginnings, and renewal. While some may associate the name Bunny with the popular cartoon character from the same name created by Warner Bros., it's essential to note that the name predates this character by several decades.
Historically, Bunny has been used as a given name for both girls and boys but is more commonly associated with females. It reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s, with celebrities such as actress Bunny Roger and socialite Bunny Mellon helping to keep the name in the public eye.
Today, Bunny remains a distinctive and endearing choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child. Its association with rabbits and the attributes they embody continues to make it an appealing option for those seeking a name that is both playful and full of life. Despite its vintage feel, Bunny has managed to transcend trends and maintain a timeless quality that makes it an enduring favorite among fans of unique names.
The name Bunny has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century. In the early 1900s, it was relatively uncommon, with fewer than ten babies being given the name each year between 1917 and 1926.
However, starting in 1927, there was a notable increase in its usage, reaching a peak of 31 births in 1938. This popularity persisted throughout World War II and into the early 1950s, with consistently high numbers of babies being named Bunny each year during this period.
After 1955, the name's popularity began to decline steadily. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, it had fallen significantly, with fewer than ten births per year occurring from 1968 onwards.
This trend continued throughout the remainder of the century, with only occasional spikes in usage. For instance, there were nine births in 1979 and eleven in 1980, but these were exceptions to an otherwise consistent decline.
In recent years, Bunny has remained quite rare as a given name in the United States, with fewer than five births per year occurring between 2001 and 2021. Despite its historical popularity during certain periods, it now appears that Bunny is no longer considered a particularly fashionable or common name for newborn girls in contemporary American culture.
It's important to note that these statistics reflect only the total number of births for each year and do not indicate the overall proportion of babies named Bunny relative to other names. Nonetheless, they provide valuable insight into how this unique name has evolved in popularity over time within the United States.