Find out how popular the first name Oona has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Oona by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 73 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Oona.

The history of the first name Oona

The name Oona is believed to have its origins in the Irish language, where it is derived from the Gaelic word "uan," meaning "lamb." The name was popular in Ireland and other Celtic regions during the Middle Ages and has been used as a given name for both males and females.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Oona can be found in the Ulster Annals, a collection of medieval Irish chronicles dating back to the 15th century. The Annals mention an individual named Oona O'Neill, who lived in the late 15th century and was a member of the powerful O'Neill dynasty in Ulster.

In the 16th century, the name Oona gained prominence through its association with St. Oona (also spelled Ona or Una), an Irish nun and abbess who lived in the 6th century. St. Oona founded a convent in County Antrim and is venerated in the Catholic Church for her piety and dedication to religious life.

One of the most notable historical figures with the name Oona was Oona O'Neill, the daughter of the famous American playwright Eugene O'Neill. Born in 1925, Oona O'Neill gained notoriety for her marriage to British actor Charlie Chaplin, who was 36 years her senior. Their union caused a significant public scandal due to the age gap but lasted until Chaplin's death in 1977.

Another prominent individual with the name Oona was Oona King, a British politician and former Member of Parliament for the Labour Party. Born in 1967, King served as the MP for Bethnal Green and Bow from 1997 to 2005 and was known for her advocacy on issues related to racial equality and social justice.

In the world of literature, Oona Frawley was an Irish-American writer and journalist who lived from 1913 to 1990. She was known for her short stories and novels, which often explored themes of Irish-American identity and the immigrant experience.

While the name Oona has Irish roots, it has also been adopted in other cultures and regions around the world. For instance, Oona Chaplin, a Spanish actress born in 1986, is the granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin and Oona O'Neill. Her name serves as a testament to the enduring influence of this unique and historically significant moniker.

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

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

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