Fionnuala

“Fionnuala - 'white shoulder' or 'fair-shouldered'.” — Associated with the legend of the Children of Lir

Ireland origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#12563US 2023

7Births / yr

↓Falling

136All-time births

📅 Since 198500

How to pronounce Fionnuala

FEYE·AH·nnoo·AH·luh

/ˈfaɪ.ˈɑ.nnuː.ˈɑ.lə/ · stress on FEYE · 5 syllables

“Fionnuala - 'white shoulder' or 'fair-shouldered'.”

Associated with the legend of the Children of Lir · Ireland origin

What does Fionnuala mean and where does it come from?

Fionnuala is a traditional Irish name, often associated with the legend of the Children of Lir, in which Fionnuala is transformed into a swan. The name encapsulates beauty and grace, with deep roots in Irish mythology and folklore. While primarily used in Ireland, it can also be found among Scots du

Cultural significance

Fionnuala has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of fionnuala - 'white shoulder' or 'fair-shouldered'..

Peak popularity

Reached #9341 in 2003 — currently #12563 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Fionnuala?

Fionnuala works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Fionnuala Grace

How popular is Fionnuala right now?

Falling — down 2762 spots — currently #12563 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1985–2023#12563 · Top 9.3%

1985

1995

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#12563	7	▼ down 2762 · -30% births
2021	#9801	10	▲ up 4068 · +67% births
2020	#13869	6	▼ down 423 · -14% births
2015	#13446	7	▼ down 3991 · -42% births
2010	#9455	12	▲ up 7917 · +140% births
2005	#17372	5	▼ down 2794
1995	#14578	5	▼ down 2318
1985	#12260	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Fionnuala

Best Year2010Rank #9455

Peak Count12

Average Rank#12918

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1985 - 20238 years

The story of Fionnuala

Fionnuala is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1985. With 136 total births recorded, Fionnuala remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #12260 in 1985, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12563 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Fionnuala in 2003:

Emily Emma Madison Hannah Olivia

Fionnuala by decade

Fionnuala peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1980s	5
1990s	10
2000s	41
2010s ★	74
2020s	6

💎Fionnuala has only 136 total recorded births since 1985 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Fionnuala?

IRISH

NolaNuala

What names sound and feel like Fionnuala?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Fionnuala also consider these

Ireland · Fair, white, or

Finnegan

Ireland · descendant of the

Fiala

Czech Republic · violet flower

Nuala

Ireland · Fair shoulder

How is Fionnuala written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Fionnuala

What does the name Fionnuala mean?

Fionnuala means "Fionnuala - 'white shoulder' or 'fair-shouldered'." — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Fionnuala?

Fionnuala is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Fionnuala?

Fionnuala originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Fionnuala?

Fionnuala is a 5-syllable name pronounced F AY1 AA1 N N UW0 AA1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Fionnuala?

Fionnuala pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Ireland heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.