Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Fionuala

      Origin

      Irish

      Meaning

      White Shoulder or Fair-shouldered

      Variations

      Finnuala, Fionnuala, Fionnualagh
      The name Fionuala, of Irish origin, translates to White shoulder or Fair-shouldered. This name is derived from the Gaelic elements fionn, meaning fair or white, and uala, meaning shoulder. The name embodies a sense of beauty and grace, often linked to ethereal qualities in its bearers. It has a soft yet powerful resonance, making it a distinctive choice for those drawn to names with cultural significance and depth.

      Fionuala has deep roots in Irish mythology and folklore, notably associated with the tragic tale of the Children of Lir, in which Fionuala is one of the transformation victims turned into a swan. This story has made her name not only a symbol of beauty but also of loss and longing, reflecting the poignant themes prevalent in ancient Irish narratives. The name has been in use for centuries and has appeared in various historical texts, serving as a reminder of its ancient heritage and the cultural identity tied to Irish lineage.

      In contemporary times, Fionuala remains a popular name in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora. Its unique sound and rich meaning make it appealing to parents seeking a name that carries both tradition and individuality. While the name may not be as widely used outside of Ireland, it is appreciated for its distinctiveness and cultural roots. Moreover, Fionuala has made appearances in popular culture, contributing to its ongoing relevance and recognition in modern society.

      Based on our records...

      Bolger

      Bolger

      This is the most common surname associated with Fionuala.
      Fionuala

      Fionuala

      This is the most common name of those married to a Fionuala.
      Alyce

      Alyce

      This is the most common name for a child of a Fionuala.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1450 is when there were the most people born with the first name Fionuala.

      Explore the origins of another name.