The name Queenie is an affectionate, or pet use, of the term queen - and is thought to be derived from the Old English word 'cwen', meaning 'woman' rather than a reference to the monarch or his wife. As a first name it can also mean "Royal Lady" or "Ruler". In this sense the name is also used as a nickname or pet name for a girl who shares her first name with a Queen. As such, it was popular name during Victorian times in the British Empire. It was once very popular in London's East End.