Meaning & History
Nona is a feminine name with two distinct origins. First, it is the feminine form of the rare Roman praenomen Nonus, meaning “ninth” in Latin. Second, Nona saw use in 19th-century England, where it was derived directly from Latin nonus (“ninth”) and traditionally given to the ninth-born child, analogous to names like Octavia for the eighth.
Etymology
The name Nona traces back to the Latin ordinal nonus, meaning “ninth.” In Roman naming conventions, Nonus was a rare praenomen, occasionally used as a given name. The feminine counterpart, Nona, appears in historical records as a personal name among Roman women, though it was never common.
Cultural Significance
In English-speaking countries, Nona enjoyed a modest vogue during the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in large families, as a literal designation for the ninth child. This practice mirrors the use of names like Septima (seventh), Octavia (eighth), and Decimus (tenth) in Roman tradition. While never widely popular, Nona appeared in English census records and occasionally as a literary appellation.
Notable Bearers
Notable bearers of the name include Nona Freeman (1915–2001), a prominent American evangelist and missionary. In the arts, Nona Gaprindashvili (born 1941) is a Georgian chess grandmaster and former women's world champion. Also, Nona Beamer (1916–2009) was a Hawaiian cultural practitioner and hula tradition bearer.
- Meaning: Ninth
- Origin: Latin
- Type: Feminine given name, from Roman praenomen or numerical name
- Usage Regions: England, United States