Johnnie is a variant spelling of the name Johnny, which itself is a diminutive form of the given name John. The name John has its origins in the Hebrew language and means "God is gracious". It was popular among the English-speaking world during the Middle Ages due to the influence of the Normans who brought it with them from France.
The name Johnnie first gained significant popularity in English-speaking countries during the Victorian era in the late 19th century. During this time, it became a common name for boys, and many families chose to use the diminutive form Johnny or Johnnie instead of the more formal John.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have been named Johnnie or Johnny, including American blues musician Johnny Cash and Scottish poet Robert Burns who often used the diminutive form of his name. However, it is important to note that while these figures may have contributed to the popularity of the name in their respective countries and eras, they are not its originators.
Today, Johnnie continues to be a popular given name for boys among English-speaking populations around the world. It has also been used as a surname in some cases, particularly in Scottish families where it was often passed down from generation to generation. Despite its long history and widespread use, the name remains simple, straightforward, and easy to remember.
The name Johnnie peaked in popularity between 1914 and 1928 with a high of 1868 births in 1928. After this period, there was a significant decline, reaching an all-time low of 71 births in 2019. The total number of births named Johnnie from 1880 to 2023 is 101965.