Fionnuala
Girl name · 15 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Fionnuala: 15 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 6 births in 1995.
The name Fionnuala has deep roots in Irish mythology and Gaelic tradition, combining *fionn* (fair or white) with *guala* (shoulder) to mean "white-shouldered." In the tragic legend of the Children of Lir, Fionnuala was the daughter of Lir, transformed with her brothers into a swan for 900 years—a poignant story of resilience and beauty. More recently, Irish actress Fionnuala Ní Fhlatharta has brought the name to modern screens. While no specific place bears her name directly, the root *fionn* echoes in Irish geography and in the common Scottish Gaelic variant Fionnghuala. A charming diminutive, Nuala, offers a softer alternative, while the name's lyrical, ancient feel continues to resonate with parents seeking a name steeped in Celtic heritage.
Girl 4 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 19956 babies
- Latest (2023)
- #7493 babies
- Total births
- 15since 1974
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y