Find out how popular the first name Sunny has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sunny by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Sunny is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 73% of people named Sunny being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 749 female babies and 189 male babies born with the name Sunny.

The history of the first name Sunny

The name Sunny originates from the English language and is derived from the word "sun," which refers to the star at the center of our solar system. It is a relatively modern name, gaining popularity in the 20th century.

The use of Sunny as a given name can be traced back to the late 19th century, when it was occasionally used as a nickname or pet name for individuals with sunny dispositions or bright personalities. It was not until the mid-20th century that Sunny began to be used more widely as a standalone given name.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Sunny was Sunny Von Bulow, born Annie Laurie Jetty Auersperg Knaufft in 1932. She gained notoriety in the 1980s due to a highly publicized legal case involving her husband, Claus Von Bulow, who was accused of attempting to murder her.

Another notable Sunny from history was Sunny Baker, an American actress born in 1913. She appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her career, which spanned from the 1930s to the 1970s.

In the realm of sports, Sunny Bono, born Salvatore Phillip Aurienza in 1935, was a successful singer, actor, and politician. He was half of the popular singing duo Sonny & Cher and later served as a member of the United States House of Representatives.

Sunny Day, born Sarah Vaughan in 1924, was an influential American jazz singer and one of the leading vocalists of the bebop era. She was renowned for her exceptional vocal range and innovative interpretations of popular songs.

Sunny Lane, born Karen Malou Tomlinson in 1980, is a former adult film actress and model who achieved fame and recognition in the adult entertainment industry during the early 2000s.

While the name Sunny is relatively modern, it has gained popularity across various cultures and regions due to its association with warmth, positivity, and a radiant personality. The name's connection to the sun and its life-giving properties has contributed to its enduring appeal.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Sunny was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Sunny, please contact us.

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