Una
Una is a girl name of Irish origin meaning “Lamb, one”, pronounced OO-nah. It ranked #3245 in the United States in 2025, given to 49 babies, and peaked at #331 in 1890. Common nicknames: Nah, Unie.
How popular is 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.
What does Una mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Una used 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.
What are the 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
Similar Names to Una
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Sibling Name Ideas for Una
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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.