What does Oona mean and where does it come from?
Oona is derived from the Irish name 'Una,' which means 'one' or 'lamb.' It has origins in Gaelic culture and is popular in Ireland. Oona gained some recognition in the United States, especially in the 20th century, and is often associated with the famous actress Oona O'Neill, daughter of playwright
Cultural significance
Oona has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of one.
Peak popularity
Reached #1637 in 2015 — currently #2220 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Oona?
Oona works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Oona Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Oona Rose
Floral · soft ending
Oona Claire
French influence · crisp
Oona Jane
Literary · strong
Oona Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Oona right now?
Rising fast — up 68 spots — currently #2220 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2220 | 85 | ▲ up 68 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #2288 | 82 | ▼ down 27 |
| 2021 | #2261 | 82 | ▲ up 119 · +12% births |
| 2020 | #2380 | 73 | ▼ down 743 · -44% births |
| 2015 | #1637 | 131 | ▲ up 2117 · +220% births |
| 2010 | #3754 | 41 | ▲ up 1097 · +52% births |
| 2005 | #4851 | 27 | ▲ up 890 · +42% births |
| 2000 | #5741 | 19 | ▲ up 1413 · +58% births |
| 1995 | #7154 | 12 | ▲ up 6156 · +140% births |
| 1990 | #13310 | 5 | ▼ down 3700 · -17% births |
| 1985 | #9610 | 6 | ▼ down 2643 · -33% births |
| 1980 | #6967 | 9 | ▼ down 2943 · -44% births |
| 1975 | #4024 | 16 | ▲ up 3376 · +167% births |
| 1970 | #7400 | 6 | ▼ down 2329 · -25% births |
| 1965 | #5071 | 8 | — |
The story of Oona
Oona entered American naming records in 1942 and has been in use for over 82 years. With 1,383 total births recorded, Oona remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5071 in 1965 to #2220 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Oona in 2015:
Oona by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 17 | |
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 51 | |
| 1970s | 114 | |
| 1980s | 40 | |
| 1990s | 94 | |
| 2000s | 275 | |
| 2010s ★ | 714 | |
| 2020s | 73 | |
💎With 1,383 total births, Oona is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Oona?
What names sound and feel like Oona?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Oona also consider these
How is Oona written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Oona
What does the name Oona mean?
Oona means "one" — 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 Oona?
Oona is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Oona have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Oona?
Oona 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.
Is Oona trending right now?
Oona is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Oona a common or rare name?
Oona is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.