Onnolee
Onnolee Origin and Meaning
Onnolee is a name immortalized in American legend. She was the last surviving member of the Munsee tribe of Native Americans, native to the Finger Lakes region of New York. In the 14th century, Onnolee was captured by Mickinac, the leader of the Mengnee tribe who slaughtered the Munsees. She stole an unsuspecting Mickinac's knife from his sheath and stabbed him in the heart before fleeing and jumping to her death. Onnolee's ghost is said to haunt the region.
Her legend was well known throughout New York state, where the name has been used sparingly — particularly in the 1910s and '20s.
Onnolee resembles more common names like Annalee and Annalie but is etymologically unrelated. It is likely an Anglicization of a Native American name, although its origins are unknown.
It's a beautiful historic name with ties to a badass heroine. Onnolee could be a particularly meaningful choice if you have connections to upstate New York.