In blues and many old-time songs the word "Dony" or "Doney" is used as a slang for "girl." "My Little Dony" is a song title. When posting the lyrics to "Way Down the Old Plank Road" by Dave Macon, I noticed it was used there (thread on "My Wife Dide on Sat. Night).

What exactly does it mean?

Where did it originate?

-Richie