The book was released in 1936. Bonnie/Bonny predate it by many years and on boys and girls. I'd say it wasn't uncommon during the 19th century.
Bonnie Parker may have been a small influence just prior to the book also. "Folk heroes" do that ;)
It's definitely been around a longer time that most realise and as a full name too.
Bonita nickname
Bonnie works but it's a bit redundant as they are the same thing more or less.
Bonita just sounds more "formal" when it's not.
This message was edited 5/23/2009, 5:25 AM