Find out how popular the first name Ona has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ona by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Ona is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 28 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ona.

The history of the first name Ona

The name Ona has its origins in the Hawaiian language and culture. It is a feminine name derived from the Hawaiian word 'ona', which means 'beautiful' or 'delightful'. The name has been in use in Hawaii for centuries and is believed to have been given to newborn girls whose beauty was seen as a gift from the gods.

In ancient Hawaiian mythology, there are several references to the name Ona. One of the most notable is the story of the goddess Pele, the deity of fire and volcanoes. According to legend, Pele had a younger sister named Ona, who was known for her grace and beauty. Ona was said to be a skilled dancer and her movements were compared to the gentle swaying of the ocean waves.

The earliest recorded use of the name Ona can be traced back to the 18th century. One of the first notable individuals to bear the name was Ona Kaʻohelelani, a Hawaiian chiefess who lived during the late 1700s. She was known for her intelligence and leadership skills, and played a significant role in the political affairs of her time.

Throughout history, several other notable individuals have been named Ona. In the 19th century, Ona Paishon was a Native American activist from the Choctaw Nation, who advocated for the rights of her people during the era of forced relocation and the Trail of Tears.

Another notable Ona was Ona Jacobson, a Swedish-American artist and illustrator who lived from 1899 to 1968. She was known for her vibrant and colorful illustrations, which often featured scenes from nature and the natural world.

In the 20th century, Ona Munson was an American actress and singer who appeared in numerous Broadway productions and Hollywood films. She was born in 1903 and her career spanned several decades, from the 1920s to the 1960s.

Ona Simanavičienė was a Lithuanian writer and activist who lived from 1899 to 1970. She was a prominent figure in the Lithuanian independence movement and her works often explored themes of national identity and the struggle for freedom.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ona was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ona, please contact us.

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