Fionnuala is a unique and beautiful Irish name with deep roots in Celtic mythology. It means "white shoulder," which is said to have originated from the legend of Fionnuala, a woman who had one white shoulder. According to the story, she was out gathering flowers when she was struck by lightning and turned into a bird.
The name Fionnuala is derived from the Irish Gaelic name Fionnghúla, which consists of two elements: fionn meaning "white" or "fair," and gúla meaning "shoulder." This suggests that the name may have been associated with fairness or beauty in ancient Ireland.
Fionnuala was also a popular name among early Irish saints. Saint Fionnuala of Kildare is one such figure, who was known for her piety and miracles. She lived during the 5th century and was said to have the ability to perform healing miracles.
Despite its rich history and unique meaning, Fionnuala remains relatively rare today, even in Ireland. However, it continues to be a beloved name among those who appreciate its Celtic roots and timeless beauty.
The name Fionnuala has seen a varied pattern of usage over the years in the United States, with some fluctuations in popularity. Between 1985 and 2023, there have been a total of 153 babies named Fionnuala born in the U.S., according to available records.
The highest number of births recorded for this name was in 2003, with 11 newborns. This peak could indicate that the name gained some popularity during this time or perhaps there were multiple sets of parents who independently chose the name Fionnuala for their daughters that year.
However, the usage of the name has been relatively low and consistent throughout most years, with an average of about 6 births per year between 1985 and 2023. This suggests that Fionnuala remains a unique choice among parents, perhaps favored by those seeking distinctive names for their children.
In recent years, there's a slight uptick in the usage of the name Fionnuala, with 10 births recorded in both 2016 and 2021. This could indicate that the name is experiencing renewed interest among parents or perhaps it's cyclical pattern related to the popularity of similar-sounding names.
Overall, while Fionnuala may not be one of the most common names in the U.S., its consistent usage over several decades shows that it has a lasting appeal for some parents who appreciate its unique sound and meaning.