The invention of bonnets cannot be attributed to a single individual. The bonnet as a type of headwear first appeared around the 13th century in the Middle Ages, named after the term "beguine," referring to laywomen in a Christian religious community who wore simple, modest clothing including bonnets. Bonnets initially served functional purposes like protecting the head and hair from weather and dust and symbolized humility and modesty. Over centuries, bonnets evolved in style and materials, becoming popular fashion accessories beyond their religious origins across different social classes. They have been worn by women of various backgrounds and professions, including nurses and nuns, and have continued to adapt stylistically through time.
In summary, bonnets originated as practical and modest head coverings in medieval Europe rather than being invented by a specific person. Their design and cultural significance have transformed through history, making them enduring accessories linked to modesty, fashion, and social identity.