Fionnula

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Fionnula

Gender Girl
Origin Celtic
Letters 8
Syllables 3
Pronunciation fee-YAHN-oo-lah

Fionnula, which has 8 letters and 3 syllables, is a female name of Celtic origin.

Meaning of Fionnula

From the name fiona

Fionnula is an Irish name derived from the Gaelic word ‘fionn’ meaning white or fair. It is often translated to mean ‘fair shoulder’ or ‘fair-haired’.

Save
Rate:
(3/5 from 215 votes)
Meaning From the name fiona
Origin Celtic
Gender Girl
Rarity (US) Rare (Not in top 1000)

Background & History of The Name Fionnula

The name Fionnula is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Fionnuala, derived from the Gaelic elements "fionn" meaning "white, fair," and "guala" meaning "shoulder." As a feminine given name, Fionnula has deep roots in Irish mythology and folklore. In ancient legend, Fionnuala was one of the four children of Lir, the sea god, and his wife Aoife. When their mother died and Lir remarried, their stepmother grew jealous of the children's beauty and transformed them into swans. Fionnuala, along with her three siblings, spent 900 years in this form before being released from the enchantment.

The name Fionnula has experienced a revival in recent years, with many parents appreciating its melodic sound and rich cultural heritage. It carries a sense of enchantment and mystique, evoking images of graceful swans and the beauty of the Irish landscape. Fionnula is often associated with attributes such as purity, fairness, and resilience.

Individuals named Fionnula are known for their strong personalities and intelligence. They tend to be independent thinkers who value their freedom and dislike conformity. Fionnulas are often admired for their resourcefulness and adaptability, as well as their ability to navigate through challenging situations with grace. They have a natural gift for communication and are often drawn to creative pursuits such as writing, music, or art.

In terms of popularity, Fionnula remains relatively rare outside of Ireland. However, its uniqueness adds to its appeal for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughters. The pronunciation of Fionnula can vary slightly, with the emphasis placed on different syllables depending on regional accents.

Overall, the name Fionnula encapsulates a sense of Irish heritage, mythical beauty, and individuality. It carries with it a rich tapestry of legends and symbols, making it a captivating choice for those looking to honor their Irish roots or simply seeking an unusual and enchanting name.

Check Initials

See what initials Fionnula would create with your last name.

Nicknames

Common nicknames and short forms for Fionnula.

Save This Name

Create an account to save names to your lists and share with your partner.

Create Free Account

Partner Matching

Rate names with your partner and find the ones you both love.

Learn More

Sibling Matcher

Find names that pair well with your existing children's names.

Find Sibling Names