What does Una mean and where does it come from?
Una is of Irish origin and has been traditionally used in Ireland. The name is popular in various cultures and regions, often associated with beauty and singularity. In Irish mythology, Una is associated with beauty and purity. The name has seen varied usages across literature and has notable histor
Cultural significance
Una has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of one.
Peak popularity
Reached #330 in 1890 — currently #3245 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Una?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Una?
Una works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Una Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Una Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Una Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Una Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Una Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Una Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Una right now?
Falling — down 236 spots — currently #3245 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3245 | 49 | ▼ down 236 · -11% births |
| 2024 | #3009 | 55 | ▲ up 367 · +15% births |
| 2023 | #3376 | 48 | ▼ down 625 · -24% births |
| 2022 | #2751 | 63 | ▲ up 582 · +31% births |
| 2021 | #3333 | 48 | ▼ down 644 · -21% births |
| 2020 | #2689 | 61 | ▲ up 784 · +36% births |
| 2015 | #3473 | 45 | ▲ up 1775 · +73% births |
| 2010 | #5248 | 26 | ▼ down 1602 · -35% births |
| 2005 | #3646 | 40 | ▲ up 754 · +48% births |
| 2000 | #4400 | 27 | ▲ up 1863 · +93% births |
| 1995 | #6263 | 14 | ▲ up 209 · +8% births |
| 1990 | #6472 | 13 | ▲ up 1859 · +86% births |
| 1985 | #8331 | 7 | ▼ down 3085 · -46% births |
| 1980 | #5246 | 13 | ▼ down 389 · +8% births |
| 1975 | #4857 | 12 | — |
The story of Una
Una has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 7,839 total births recorded, Una remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #578 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3376 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Una in 1890:
Una by decade
Una peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 249 | |
| 1890s | 480 | |
| 1900s | 562 | |
| 1910s | 1,385 | |
| 1920s ★ | 1,597 | |
| 1930s | 1,059 | |
| 1940s | 556 | |
| 1950s | 367 | |
| 1960s | 356 | |
| 1970s | 193 | |
| 1980s | 108 | |
| 1990s | 129 | |
| 2000s | 300 | |
| 2010s | 437 | |
| 2020s | 165 | |
💎With 7,839 total births, Una is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Una?
Famous people named Una
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Una (Irish revolutionary)
Una carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
U(
Una (traditional Irish musician)
Una passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.
U(
Una (Celtic chieftain)
Una bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
U(
Una (Irish saint)
Una helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Una?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Una also consider these
Common questions about the name Una
What does the name Una mean?
Una means "One" — 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 Una?
Una 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 Una?
Una 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.
How do you pronounce the name Una?
Una is a two-syllable name pronounced OO-nuh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Una a common or rare name?
Una is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.