The name Lonnie is an English diminutive form of the name Lon, which itself is a shortened version of the name Lancelot. The name Lancelot is derived from the French name Lancelin, which itself comes from the ancient Germanic elements "lanc" meaning "land" or "territory" and "lind" meaning "serpent" or "dragon."

The earliest known bearer of the name Lancelot was a 12th-century knight associated with the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. In the Arthurian tales, Lancelot is depicted as one of Arthur's greatest knights and becomes embroiled in an affair with Queen Guinevere. The name Lancelot gained widespread popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages due to these romanticized stories.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Lonnie was Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr. (1913-1986), an American jazz drummer and singer better known by his stage name, Lonnie Donegan. He is credited with helping to popularize skiffle music in the 1950s and influencing many British artists, including The Beatles.

Another notable Lonnie was Lonnie Johnson (1899-1970), an American blues and jazz singer, guitarist, and songwriter who was a pioneering figure in the development of jazz guitar. His influential recordings from the 1920s and 1930s inspired many future musicians.

Lonnie Liston Smith (born 1940) is an American jazz pianist and composer who has recorded several albums and is known for his spiritual and cosmic-themed compositions. He was a member of the jazz fusion group Spiral Starecase in the 1970s.

Lonnie Rashid Lynn (born 1972), better known by his stage name Common, is an American rapper, actor, and activist who has released several critically acclaimed albums and has won numerous awards, including a Grammy and an Academy Award.

Lonnie Brooks (1933-2017) was an American blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter who was a prominent figure in the Chicago blues scene and was known for his distinctive guitar style and powerful vocals.