Una

The first name Una is a feminine name whose origins and meanings are discussed among name researchers. It is often interpreted as 'the only one', derived from the Latin word una.

What does the name Una mean?

The feminine first name Una has various origins and meanings that are debated in name research. Generally, it is associated with 'the only one', derived from the Latin word una or unus, meaning 'one', 'only', or 'single'. Historically, the name has also been derived from the Old Irish term úan for 'the lamb', leading to meanings such as 'the lamb' or 'the pious lamb'. Furthermore, there is a Nordic reference where Una means 'the thriving one' or 'the content one', based on the Old Norse term una, which describes 'to thrive', 'to be content', or 'to feel at home'. In Irish mythology, Oonagh is depicted as a fairy queen with golden hair. There is also a river in Bosnia that flows through the city of Bihac, which bears this name. The Gaelic-Irish spelling is Úna, while the Scottish form is Ùna. Other variants include Oona and Oonagh. In the English-speaking world, the name has been common since the 17th century.

Where does the name Una come from?

The etymology of Una is both Latin and Old Irish, meaning 'the only one'. The Old Irish origin is úan, which means 'the lamb', while the Latin una stands for 'one, only'. Alternatively, unus, -a, -um in Latin describes 'one' and in Spanish, the article una means 'one'. The Old Norse term una means 'to thrive', 'to be content', and 'to feel at home'. The relevant languages are English, Gaelic, Irish, and Scottish.

How do you pronounce Una?

The pronunciation of Una is sonically pleasant and consists of two syllables. In German, the name is usually pronounced as 'U-na' [ˈuːna], starting with a long U sound that conveys depth and calm. The second syllable sounds open and soft. With its clear vowel structure, Una appears simple yet special - it radiates tranquility, femininity, and timelessness.

When is the name day of Una?

The name day of Una is celebrated on April 15.

Popularity

In Germany, the name Una enjoys great popularity and currently ranks 485th in the list of the most common female first names. In the last ten years, Una has been given as a first name approximately 730 times, placing it 641st in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 761st. The global popularity of the name is reflected in its rankings in various countries.

Nicknames & pet names

Nana / Nani / Unachen / Uni / Unna / Uno / Unsge

Similar first names

Famous people

• Una (mother of Tristan in 'Stardust')
• Una Baines (musician from England)
• Una Cameron (mountaineer from Great Britain)
• Una Canger (linguist)
• Una Constance Pope-Hennessy (British historian)
• Una Crawford Obrien (Irish actress)
• Una Foden (singer from Ireland)
• Una Grava Germane (Lithuanian curler)
• Una Gunjak (Bosnian filmmaker)
• Una Hale (Australian singer)
• Una Healy (singer)
• Una Hunt (American writer)
• Una Isabel Carter (writer from New Zealand)
• Una Lucy Silberrad (writer from Great Britain)
• Una Mae Carlisle (singer from the USA)
• Una Marson (writer from Jamaica)
• Una McCormack (English writer)
• Una McLean (British actress)
• Una Merkel (actress from America)
• Una Morris (Jamaican sprinter)