UK girl's name
Oana
A feminine Romanian name, possibly derived from the word "oana" meaning "little ewe".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2023. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Oana is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Oana popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2023 in this profile. In that release it ranked #5687, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2018, with 4 births.
This profile covers 19 England and Wales registrations across 6 recorded years from 2007 to 2023. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 75% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 19 living people in the UK are called Oana. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2024 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Oana ranked #5687 for girls in England and Wales in 2023, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2018, when 4 girls were registered as Oana.
- • About 19 living people in the UK are estimated to have Oana as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#5687
2023
Births in 2023
3
Latest year
Peak year
2018
4 births
Estimated living
19
2026
Meaning
What does Oana mean?
The name Oana is of Romanian origin and is believed to have its roots in the Latin word "Joannes," which means "God is gracious." This name has been in use since ancient times, particularly in the region that is now known as Romania.
In the early days of Christianity, the name Oana was often associated with religious figures and saints. One notable example is Saint Oana of Rasca, a 14th-century Romanian nun who is venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church for her piety and devotion to God.
The earliest recorded use of the name Oana can be traced back to the 15th century, when it appeared in various historical documents and records from the region. During this time, the name was primarily used by the nobility and the upper classes of Romanian society.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Oana. One such figure was Oana Bassaraba (1619-1671), a Romanian noblewoman who played a significant role in the political and cultural life of her time. She was known for her patronage of the arts and her support for the Orthodox Church.
Another notable Oana was Oana Greceanu (1781-1857), a Romanian poet and translator who was widely celebrated for her literary works. Her poetry and translations helped to shape the cultural landscape of 19th-century Romania.
In the 20th century, Oana Pellea (1915-1989) was a renowned Romanian actress who graced the stage and screen with her talent. She was celebrated for her performances in both classical and contemporary plays, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of actors.
Oana Mandić (1967-present) is a Serbian actress and director who has made significant contributions to the world of theater and film. She is known for her powerful performances and her commitment to exploring complex themes and characters.
Oana Zavoranu (1974-present) is a Romanian journalist, television presenter, and author. She has gained widespread recognition for her work in the media, as well as her contributions to various social and charitable causes.
The name Oana continues to be popular in Romania and other regions with Romanian cultural influences. Its rich history and deep-rooted connections to the Latin language and Eastern Orthodox tradition have endowed it with a sense of grace and significance.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Oana over time
The chart below shows babies named Oana registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2007 to 2023. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Oana, the clearest high point is 2018. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2023, compared with 4 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Oana by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Oana was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #5687 | 3 | 1 |
| 2010s | #5494 | 13 | 4 |
| 2000s | #5201 | 3 | 1 |
Related
Names similar to Oana
- Olivia 123,111
- Orla 10,799
- Olive 6,815
- Ophelia 4,939
- Ottilie 4,407
- Oliwia 2,608
- Ocean 1,811
- Orlaith 1,357
- Olivia-Rose 1,250
- Octavia 1,243
- Olivia-Grace 618
- Orlagh 608
FAQ
Oana: questions and answers
How popular is the name Oana in the UK right now?
In 2023, Oana was ranked #5687 for girls in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Oana most popular?
The peak year on record was 2018, with 4 babies registered as Oana in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Oana?
A feminine Romanian name, possibly derived from the word "oana" meaning "little ewe".
How many people are called Oana in the UK?
A total of 19 babies have been registered as Oana across the 6 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.