Fionola

fair-shouldered
Irish origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#1873US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.4%Percentile

What does Fionola mean and where does it come from?

Fionola is derived from the Irish name Fionnuala, which combines 'fionn' meaning 'fair' and 'guala' meaning 'shoulder'.

Cultural significance
Fionola is often associated with Irish mythology, particularly the legend of the Children of Lir, where Fionnuala is one of the transformed children.
Peak popularity
Reached #1873 in 2015 — currently #1873 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Fionola?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Fionola?

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

Fionola Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Fionola Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Fionola Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Fionola Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Fionola Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Fionola Brynn
One syllable · vintage charm
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Fionola
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How popular is Fionola right now?

Holding steady — currently #1873 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1873 · Top 1.4%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#187310stable
2022#187310stable
2021#187310stable
2020#187310stable
2019#187310
💎Fionola is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Fionola?

IRISH
NolaNuala

Famous people named Fionola

FM
Fionola Meredith
An Irish journalist and author known for her contributions to various publications.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
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How is Fionola written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Fionola

What does the name Fionola mean?
Fionola means "fair-shouldered" — a name rooted in Irish 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 Fionola?
Fionola is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Fionola?
Fionola originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Fionola?
Fionola pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Irish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Fionola more of a girl or boy name?
Fionola is primarily used as a girl name, giving it a clear, timeless character while remaining accessible to modern families.