Una
Lamb, one — a girl name of Irish origin
Popularity of Una in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Una
Una has dual origins, functioning as both an Irish and a Latin name. In Irish, Una (sometimes spelled Oona or Oonagh) derives from the Old Irish "uan" meaning "lamb," and the name appears prominently in Irish mythology as Oonagh, the queen of the fairies in some traditions. In Latin, Una simply means "one," suggesting uniqueness. Edmund Spenser used the name in his epic poem The Faerie Queene (1590), where Una represents Truth and the one true church. The Irish pronunciation is typically "OO-nah," while the English and Latin pronunciation is "YOO-nah." The name has remained steadily used in Ireland and has gained broader appeal for its simplicity and elegance.
Una Around the World
Una is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Una
Famous People Named Una
- Una Stubbs — English actress known for Sherlock and EastEnders
- Oona Chaplin — Spanish-British actress and granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin
- Oona O'Neill Chaplin — daughter of Eugene O'Neill and wife of Charlie Chaplin
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Una mean?
Una is a girl name of Irish origin meaning "Lamb, one." Una has dual origins, functioning as both an Irish and a Latin name. In Irish, Una (sometimes spelled Oona or Oonagh) derives from the Old Irish "uan" meaning "lamb," and the name appears prominently in Irish mythology as Oonagh, the queen of the fairies in some traditions.
How do you pronounce Una?
Una is pronounced OO-nah. Common variations include Oona, Oonagh, Una.
Is Una a girl name?
Yes, Una is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Nah, Unie.
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