Ramona is a feminine first name of Spanish origin, derived as a feminine form of Ramón, the Spanish form of Raymond. The ultimate root is the Germanic Raginmund, composed of the elements regin meaning "advice, counsel, decision" and munt meaning "protection." The name was introduced to England by the Normans in the form Reimund and borne by several medieval, mostly Spanish, saints, including Saint Raymond Nonnatus and Saint Raymond of Peñafort. Etymology and History The name Ramona was popularized in the English-speaking world by Helen Hunt Jackson's 1884 novel Ramona. Set in Southern California after the Mexican–American War, the novel tells the story of a mixed-race Scottish–Native American orphan girl. Originally serialized in the Christian Union, the novel became immensely popular, with more than 300 printings and multiple film adaptations. Its sentimental portrayal of Mexican elite colonial life influenced the cultural identity of Southern California and attracted tourists traveling by rail to visit sites associated with the story. Notable Bearers Ramona Agruma (born 1984), American fashion designer and entrepreneur. Ramona Bădărău (born 1991), Romanian artistic gymnast. Ramona Blake (born 1978), American professional basketball player. Ramona Canete (born 1943), Argentine-Spanish actress and singer. Ramona Faur (20th century), Romanian sport shooter. Cultural Significance The novel Ramona and its subsequent film adaptations made the name widely recognized in Anglophone cultures. A yearly outdoor play adaptation has been performed annually since 1923 in California. The name enjoys popularity in English, Romanian, and Spanish-speaking regions. Meaning: Feminine form of Ramón, ultimately from Germanic "advice protection" Origin: Spanish, Germanic Type: First name Usage regions: English, Romanian, Spanish Related forms: Ramóna (Hungarian), Raymonde (French), Raimunde (German), Raimonda (Italian), Raimunda (Portuguese); masculine forms Ramón and Moncho (Spanish)