The name Ronnie is a diminutive form of the name Ronald, which is derived from the Old Norse name Rögnvaldr. Rögnvaldr is composed of two elements: the Old Norse word "rǫgn," meaning "counsel" or "decision," and the Old Norse word "valdr," meaning "ruler" or "wielder."

The name Rögnvaldr was first recorded in the 9th century AD and was borne by several Scandinavian rulers and noblemen. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Rögnvaldr, Earl of Møre, who lived in Norway in the late 9th century.

As the Vikings explored and settled in various parts of Europe, the name Rögnvaldr spread to other regions. In the 11th century, it appeared in the Orkneyinga Saga, a historical narrative about the rulers of the Orkney Islands, off the northern coast of Scotland.

The name Ronald, the Anglicized form of Rögnvaldr, became popular in English-speaking countries during the Middle Ages. One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Ronald is from the 12th century, when it appeared in the Pipe Rolls of Northumberland, England.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Ronnie, including:

1. Ronnie Wood (born 1947), British rock musician and member of the Rolling Stones.
2. Ronnie Corbett (1930-2016), British comedian and actor, best known for the BBC sketch show "The Two Ronnies."
3. Ronnie Barker (1929-2005), British actor and comedian, also known for "The Two Ronnies."
4. Ronnie Biggs (1929-2013), British criminal, infamous for his role in the Great Train Robbery of 1963.
5. Ronnie Spector (born 1943), American singer and leader of the 1960s girl group the Ronettes.

Although the name Ronnie is a diminutive form, it has become a name in its own right, particularly popular in English-speaking countries during the 20th century.