Lonna is a unique and distinctive name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Irish female given name "Laighne" or "Loingsech", which means "shining light". This name has been passed down through generations and was often used among the Gaelic-speaking people of Ireland.
The name Lonna is believed to have first appeared in the 12th century, during the period of the Gaelic Revival. It was popular among the Irish nobility and was often given to daughters born into prominent families. The name gained further popularity during the Celtic Twilight period at the end of the 19th century, when there was a renewed interest in all things Irish.
Today, Lonna remains a relatively rare name, but it is still used by some parents who appreciate its unique sound and Irish heritage. It is often spelled in various ways, such as Lona or Loan, but the original spelling of Lonna is considered to be the most authentic.
In conclusion, Lonna is a beautiful and distinctive name with deep roots in Irish history. Its meaning of "shining light" adds to its appeal, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Lonna has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century. In the early years, there were only a handful of babies given this name each year. Between 1916 and 1930, there were fewer than ten births per year with the name Lonna.
However, starting from 1939, there was a significant increase in the number of girls named Lonna. In that year alone, there were 14 births, which was more than double any previous year on record. This trend continued through the early 1950s, with the highest peak occurring in 1951 when there were 89 babies named Lonna.
Interestingly, after this peak, the popularity of the name Lonna began to decline steadily. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the number of births with the name had dropped significantly, with fewer than 65 births per year on average between 1965 and 1972.
This downward trend continued throughout the rest of the century, with the lowest point being in 1985 when only 14 babies were named Lonna. The 1990s saw a slight increase in popularity again, but it was short-lived, and by the turn of the millennium, the name had become quite rare once more.
In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Lonna. Starting from 2003, there has been an upward trend, with more than ten births per year on average since then. The most recent data available shows that in 2021, there were 11 babies named Lonna.
Overall, while the name Lonna has had its ups and downs in popularity over the years, it is clear that it remains a distinctive and unique choice for parents looking for something different. With over 3350 babies named Lonna in the United States since 1916, this name continues to make its mark on American naming trends.