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ArchivesMiddle Ages names Bonne, Bona, Buena...
They were popular in Spain, France, Italy... and used under the local form. I wonder when they started being used (in the Middle Ages, or in Latin already?), and why they went out of use (mostly).
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Apparently there's one St Bona of Pisa (c. 1156 – 1207) whose feast day is March 29. I imagine that in the Middle Ages the name was given in her honour.
Wikipedia doesn't list any notable Bonne born before the 14th century. The earliest one seems to be Jutta of Luxembourg, who was the wife of king John II of France - her name was translated to French as Bonne (meaning 'good'), even though it was originally a form of Judith. The name then became common in the French Royal house and among her descendants, including several princesses who married foreign princes. The most recent one is Bona Sforza (1494–1558), who was Queen of Poland. This "migration" probably helped to popularise the name aroung Europe.
Googling I also found a contemporary Princess Bona Margherita of Savoy (1896–1971). However, the name doesn't seem to be in use outside of Royal Houses anymore.
And then there's the English Bonnie, which is of course unrelated.
Wikipedia doesn't list any notable Bonne born before the 14th century. The earliest one seems to be Jutta of Luxembourg, who was the wife of king John II of France - her name was translated to French as Bonne (meaning 'good'), even though it was originally a form of Judith. The name then became common in the French Royal house and among her descendants, including several princesses who married foreign princes. The most recent one is Bona Sforza (1494–1558), who was Queen of Poland. This "migration" probably helped to popularise the name aroung Europe.
Googling I also found a contemporary Princess Bona Margherita of Savoy (1896–1971). However, the name doesn't seem to be in use outside of Royal Houses anymore.
And then there's the English Bonnie, which is of course unrelated.
This message was edited 5/10/2010, 1:50 PM
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