Find out how popular the first name Onella has been for the last 2 years (from 2016 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Onella by gender

Based on the last 2 years of data, Onella is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Onella.

The history of the first name Onella

The name Onella has its roots in the ancient Etruscan civilization that flourished in what is now modern-day Italy. The Etruscans were a highly advanced society known for their art, architecture, and rich cultural traditions. The name Onella is believed to have derived from the Etruscan word "onel," which meant "graceful" or "elegant."

During the height of the Etruscan civilization, around the 6th century BCE, the name Onella was commonly used for female children born into noble families. It was seen as a symbol of beauty, poise, and refinement, qualities that were highly valued in Etruscan society.

As the Etruscan culture gradually merged with the emerging Roman civilization, the name Onella spread throughout the Italian peninsula. It can be found in various historical records and ancient texts from that period, though its popularity waned with the decline of the Etruscan influence.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Onella comes from a Roman tombstone dating back to the 2nd century CE. The inscription commemorates a woman named Onella Caecilia, who was likely a member of a prominent Roman family.

Throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the name Onella experienced a revival, particularly in Italy. One notable figure bearing this name was Onella Malaspina (1266-1330), a noblewoman from the powerful Malaspina family of Lunigiana, Italy. She was known for her patronage of the arts and her support of renowned poets and writers of the time.

Another historical figure with the name Onella was Onella Giustiniani (1450-1511), a Venetian noblewoman and patron of the arts. She was instrumental in commissioning several important works of Renaissance art, including paintings by the renowned Venetian artist Vittore Carpaccio.

In the 17th century, Onella Brancaccio (1620-1684) was a prominent Italian philosopher and writer. She was part of the intellectual circle known as the "Accademia degli Incogniti" (Academy of the Unknowns) in Venice, where she contributed to discussions on literature, philosophy, and the arts.

Moving into the 19th century, Onella Frescobaldi (1810-1879) was an Italian noblewoman and philanthropist. She was deeply involved in charitable work and dedicated her life to improving the living conditions of the poor and underprivileged in Florence.

While the name Onella has its origins in ancient Etruscan and Roman cultures, it has maintained a presence throughout various periods of Italian history, often associated with noble families, patrons of the arts, and intellectuals. Its enduring legacy reflects the rich tapestry of Italian culture and tradition.

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 Onella was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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