The name Jonny has its origins in Hebrew and is derived from the name Yohanan, which means "Graced by God" or "God is gracious." It is a variation of the more common English name John, which itself is derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan.

In the New Testament of the Bible, John the Baptist is one of the earliest and most prominent figures to bear this name. He was a Jewish preacher who baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River and is considered an important religious figure in Christianity.

During the Middle Ages, the name John was widespread throughout Europe and was popularized by several prominent figures, including John the Evangelist, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, and Pope John XXIII, who reigned from 1958 to 1963.

In the 12th century, the name Jonny appeared as a diminutive form of John in England. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jonny can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript record of a survey of England completed in 1086 by order of King William the Conqueror.

Notable historical figures with the name Jonny include Jonny Bairstow, an English cricketer born in 1989, Jonny Wilkinson, an English rugby union player born in 1979, Jonny Greenwood, an English musician and composer born in 1971, Jonny Lee Miller, an English-American actor born in 1972, and Jonny Quest, the fictional protagonist of the 1960s animated series of the same name.

Throughout history, the name Jonny has been a popular choice for boys, with its origins rooted in Hebrew and its widespread use across various cultures and time periods. Its association with religious figures, as well as its diminutive form of the more common name John, has contributed to its enduring popularity.