What does Fiona mean and where does it come from?
Fiona is a feminine given name derived from the Scottish Gaelic word 'fionn', which means 'fair' or 'white'. It was first popularized in the 19th century by the poet William Sharp, who used it as a character's name in his works. The name Fiona gained popularity in English-speaking countries, particu
Cultural significance
Fiona has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of white, fair.
Peak popularity
Reached #180 in 2017 — currently #400 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Fiona?
Fiona works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Fiona Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Fiona Rose
Floral · soft ending
Fiona Mae
Sweet · timeless
Fiona Claire
French influence · crisp
Fiona Jane
Literary · strong
Fiona Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Fiona right now?
Declining — down 41 spots — currently #400 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #400 | 766 | ▼ down 41 · -13% births |
| 2022 | #359 | 881 | ▼ down 60 · -18% births |
| 2021 | #299 | 1,072 | ▼ down 3 |
| 2020 | #296 | 1,076 | ▼ down 77 · -28% births |
| 2015 | #219 | 1,492 | ▲ up 39 · +18% births |
| 2010 | #258 | 1,263 | ▲ up 115 · +50% births |
| 2005 | #373 | 843 | ▲ up 87 · +40% births |
| 2000 | #460 | 603 | ▲ up 329 · +139% births |
| 1995 | #789 | 252 | ▲ up 150 · +25% births |
| 1990 | #939 | 202 | ▲ up 486 · +127% births |
| 1985 | #1425 | 89 | ▲ up 332 · +41% births |
| 1980 | #1757 | 63 | ▼ down 93 · +9% births |
| 1975 | #1664 | 58 | ▼ down 72 · -3% births |
| 1970 | #1592 | 60 | ▲ up 287 · +58% births |
| 1965 | #1879 | 38 | — |
The story of Fiona
Fiona entered American naming records in 1942 and has been in use for over 82 years. A total of 29,756 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5607 in 1955 to #400 in 2023. Fiona is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Fiona in 2017:
Fiona by decade
Fiona peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 47 | |
| 1950s | 90 | |
| 1960s | 437 | |
| 1970s | 596 | |
| 1980s | 951 | |
| 1990s | 3,130 | |
| 2000s | 8,781 | |
| 2010s ★ | 14,648 | |
| 2020s | 1,076 | |
What are good nicknames for Fiona?
What names sound and feel like Fiona?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Fiona also consider these
How is Fiona written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Fiona
What does the name Fiona mean?
Fiona means "white, fair" — a name rooted in Scotland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Fiona?
Fiona is currently ranked #400 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Fiona?
Fiona originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Fiona?
Fiona is a three-syllable name pronounced F IY0 OW1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Fiona?
Fiona pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Scotland heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.