"lamb"
Origin: Old Irish
Language: Irish
Oona
Pronunciation: [ OON-uh ]
Does Oona flow with your last name?
A fairy-queen name from the heart of Ireland
Irish
Scottish
Finnish
Scandinavian
Vintage
Whimsical
Elegant
Literary
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"one, unity"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
"wave"
Origin: Celtic
Language: Irish
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The Story of Oona
Oona is the anglicized spelling of the Irish name Úna (also spelled Una), which likely derives from the Old Irish word 'uan' meaning 'lamb,' or alternatively from the Latin 'una' meaning 'one.' The name has ancient roots in Celtic mythology — Úna was a queen of the fairies in Irish legend, lending the name a whimsical, otherworldly quality that has endured for centuries.
Oona gained international attention largely through Oona O'Neill, daughter of playwright Eugene O'Neill, who married Charlie Chaplin in 1943. More recently, actress Oona Chaplin (granddaughter of Charlie) has brought fresh attention to the name. Its gentle, two-syllable sound fits perfectly into the trend toward short Celtic names.
In Irish mythology, Úna was associated with the fairy realm and was sometimes depicted as the queen of the Connacht fairies. In Finland, Oona is used as a form of Johanna or Agnes, giving it a separate Scandinavian tradition.
Historical Record
Oona first appeared in US Social Security records in 1954.
Over 1,695 babies have been named Oona in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Oona is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #2,467 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In Edmund Spenser's 1590 epic 'The Faerie Queene,' Una represents truth and purity
- Oona O'Neill (1925–1991) was the daughter of Nobel Prize-winning playwright Eugene O'Neill
- The name appears in the oldest Irish manuscript traditions dating to the 8th century
Oona in Other Languages
Irish
Úna
Latin
Una
Finnish
Oona
Italian
Una
Scottish Gaelic
Una
Popularity Over Time
#2,467
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Oona
O
Oona Chaplin
Actor
1986
British-Spanish actress known for her role as Talisa Stark in Game of Thrones
O
Oona O'Neill
Other
1925
American socialite, daughter of playwright Eugene O'Neill and wife of Charlie Chaplin
O
Oona Fictional
Other
Fairy queen of Irish mythology, queen of Connacht's fairy realm
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Compare Oona with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,467
- Total SSA Count
- 73
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Scottish Finnish Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, vintage style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, vintage style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Oona
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Germanic alternative etymology origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Oona
What does the name Oona mean?
"lamb" (from Old Irish). "one, unity" (from Latin). "wave" (from Celtic). Oona is the anglicized spelling of the Irish name Úna (also spelled Una), which likely derives from the Old Irish word 'uan' meaning 'lamb,' or alternatively from the Latin 'una' meaning 'one.' The name has ancient roots in Celtic mythology — Úna was a queen of the fairies in Irish legend, lending the name a whimsical, otherworldly quality that has endured for centuries.
What is the origin of the name Oona?
Oona has Old Irish, Latin, Celtic, Irish, Scottish, Finnish, and Scandinavian origins. In Old Irish, it means "lamb". In Latin, it means "one, unity". In Celtic, it means "wave".
Is Oona a boy or girl name?
Oona is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Oona?
Oona is pronounced OON-uh.
How popular is the name Oona?
Oona is currently ranked #2467 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Oona?
Popular middle name pairings include Oona Rose, Oona Mae, Oona Claire, Oona Violet, Oona June, Oona Pearl, and Oona Iris.
What are good sibling names for Oona?
Names that pair well with Oona as siblings include Finn, Cillian, Saoirse, Aoife, Declan, Fiona, and Niamh.
How many syllables does Oona have?
Oona has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Oona a common or rare name?
Oona is an uncommon name, ranked #2467 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Oona
Oona is a girl name with Irish, Scottish, Finnish, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "lamb" in Old Irish .
Oona is currently ranked #2,467 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Oona has 2 syllables and is pronounced OON-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis