Declining since 2020, #13,208 for girls today.
Popularity of Fionnuala since 1985
Babies named Fionnuala per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 10 |
| 2000s | 41 |
| 2010s | 74 |
| 2020s | 34 |
Meaning & origin
Fionnuala has been recorded in the US Social Security data since 1985, peaking in popularity in 2010. The name has been on a downward trajectory since 2020, reflecting a broader trend of traditional Irish names waxing and waning in use. Despite its low current rank of 13,208, it remains a distinctive choice within Irish communities. The name's enduring connection to the myth of the Children of Lir gives it a strong cultural resonance. Parents drawn to Irish heritage often pair Fionnuala with siblings like Aoife or Cian, maintaining a cohesive style. The absence of top states in the data suggests it is not concentrated in any particular region but spread across the country.
Fionnuala comes from the Old Irish name Finnu(a)la, composed of fionn 'white, fair' and guala 'shoulder'. In the Irish myth cycle, Fionnuala was the daughter of the sea god Lir, turned into a swan. The name has been in use in Ireland since the Middle Ages and remains connected to Irish cultural heritage.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nuala
Variants: Finola, Finuala, Fionnghuala
Sibling names for Fionnuala
Names that share Fionnuala's style, for a brother or sister.
