Una is a female given name of Irish origin. It comes from the Irish word "uan," which means lamb. The name Una was popularized by the 16th-century poet Edmund Spenser, who used it as the name of his beloved in his pastoral romance, "The Shepheardes Calender."
In Irish mythology, Una is also known as the wife of Finn mac Cumaill, the legendary leader of the Fianna warriors. In this context, Una is depicted as a wise and brave woman, who accompanies her husband on his adventures and often provides him with valuable counsel.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Una. These include Una Stubbs, an English actress known for her role in the television series "Sherlock," and Una Kavanagh, an Irish revolutionary who fought against British rule during the Easter Rising of 1916.
Overall, Una is a unique and captivating name with a rich history rooted in Irish culture and literature. Its meaning, derived from the lamb, adds to its charm and delicacy, making it a beautiful choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Una has been given to a total of 8,003 babies born in the United States since 1880. The number of births per year varied greatly over time, with peaks and valleys that are quite intriguing.
From 1880 to 1929, Una was a relatively popular name, with the highest number of births occurring in 1915, when 173 babies were named Una. However, after 1930, the popularity of the name began to decline significantly. In fact, from 1941 to 1976, there were fewer than 20 births per year on average.
Interestingly, despite its decreasing popularity, the name Una experienced a brief resurgence in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Between 1998 and 2005, there were over 30 births per year on average, with a peak of 40 births in 2005.
Since then, the popularity of Una has continued to fluctuate. In recent years, it seems that the name is once again becoming more popular, with 63 births recorded in 2022 and 48 births recorded so far in 2023.
Overall, while Una may not be one of the most popular names in the United States, its popularity has varied significantly over time, with peaks and valleys that are sure to interest name enthusiasts.