The name Jeannie is a feminine form of the French name Jean, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning "Graced by God". It emerged in Medieval France as a variant of the name Jeanne, which was a popular name among French royalty and nobility.

The name Jeannie can be traced back to the 12th century, when it was used as a diminutive form of Jeanne. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jeannie can be found in the French epic poem "The Song of Roland", which dates back to the late 11th century.

In the 16th century, the name Jeannie gained prominence in Scotland, where it became a popular name among the Scottish nobility. One notable figure was Jeannie Douglas, Countess of Angus (1498-1537), who played a significant role in the Scottish Reformation.

During the 17th century, the name Jeannie was popularized in England, where it was often used as a diminutive form of the name Jane. One famous bearer of the name was Jeannie Barclay (1648-1680), a Scottish noblewoman who was rumored to have been the mistress of King Charles II.

In the 18th century, the name Jeannie gained literary prominence through the works of Scottish poet Robert Burns. His poem "Comin' Thro' the Rye" features a character named Jeannie, who represents the idealized Scottish lassie.

Another notable figure was Jeannie Watts (1775-1854), an English actress and playwright who was known for her roles in comedic plays and her advocacy for women's rights.

In the 19th century, the name Jeannie was popularized in the United States, where it was often used as a diminutive form of the name Jane or Jean. One famous bearer of the name was Jeannie Lind (1820-1887), a Swedish opera singer known as the "Swedish Nightingale", who became a household name after her successful American tour in the 1850s.