DaveS is right, and the term can certainly still be heard (or could last time I was there); as can similiar terms like 'pet' or 'love' in other parts of the country.

However, I 'corrected' a song recently from the north east from 'honey' to 'hinny' and someone (Malcolm Douglas I think), referred me to an older document which did say 'honey', so your guess at the link may well have something in it.