What does Bonner mean and where does it come from?
The surname Bonner originates from Gaelic and is derived from the word 'bonn', meaning 'bear'. This surname has been found primarily in Ireland but is also present in countries with Irish diaspora such as the United States. The name has seen various adaptations and may also be associated with a plac
Cultural significance
Bonner has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of descendant of the bear.
Peak popularity
Reached #2585 in 1914 — currently #1535 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Bonner?
Bonner works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Bonner Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Bonner Rose
Floral · soft ending
Bonner Mae
Sweet · timeless
Bonner Claire
French influence · crisp
Bonner Jane
Literary · strong
Bonner Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Bonner right now?
Holding steady — currently #1535 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1535 | 665 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1540 | 645 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1545 | 615 | ▲ up 6738 · +8686% births |
| 2000 | #8283 | 7 | ▲ up 715 · +40% births |
| 1995 | #8998 | 5 | ▼ down 3738 · -29% births |
| 1985 | #5260 | 7 | ▼ down 1784 · +17% births |
| 1950 | #3476 | 6 | ▼ down 322 |
| 1945 | #3154 | 6 | ▲ up 491 · +20% births |
| 1940 | #3645 | 5 | ▲ up 522 |
| 1930 | #4167 | 5 | ▼ down 1484 · -55% births |
| 1925 | #2683 | 11 | ▲ up 199 · +10% births |
| 1920 | #2882 | 10 | ▼ down 128 · +11% births |
| 1915 | #2754 | 9 | — |
The story of Bonner
Bonner entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 290 total births recorded, Bonner remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2754 in 1915 to #1535 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Bonner in 1914:
Bonner by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 53 | |
| 1920s ★ | 67 | |
| 1930s | 33 | |
| 1940s | 47 | |
| 1950s | 19 | |
| 1960s | 22 | |
| 1970s | 10 | |
| 1980s | 12 | |
| 1990s | 5 | |
| 2000s | 17 | |
| 2010s | 5 | |
💎Bonner has only 290 total recorded births since 1912 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Bonner?
What names sound and feel like Bonner?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bonner also consider these
Common questions about the name Bonner
What does the name Bonner mean?
Bonner means "descendant of the bear" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Bonner?
Bonner is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Bonner?
Bonner originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Bonner?
Bonner is a two-syllable name pronounced B AO1 N ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Bonner a common or rare name?
Bonner is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.