“The name Iola has Greek roots and is often associated with the violet flower, symbolizing beauty and delicacy” — Associated with the violet flower
Greece origin · Girl name
♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls
#10633US 2023
9Births / yr
↑Rising
9.6kAll-time births
📅 Since 188000.05% of births at peak
How to pronounce Iola
eye·OH·luh
/aɪ.ˈoʊ.lə/ · stress on OH · 3 syllables
“The name Iola has Greek roots and is often associated with the violet flower, symbolizing beauty and delicacy”
Associated with the violet flower · Greece origin
What does Iola mean and where does it come from?
The name Iola has Greek roots and is often associated with the violet flower, symbolizing beauty and delicacy. In Welsh, it also carries the meaning of 'rainbow'. While not very common, the name has seen usage in Wales and beyond. Notably, it's often seen in literature and can be associated with the
Cultural significance
Iola has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #265 in 1907 — currently #10633 in the US.
Rising fast — up 71 spots — currently #10633 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1880–2023#10633 · Top 7.8%
1940
1945
1950
1955
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#10633
9
▲ up 71
2022
#10704
9
▼ down 1512 · -18% births
2021
#9192
11
▼ down 308
2020
#8884
11
▲ up 587
2015
#9471
11
▲ up 5474 · +83% births
2010
#14945
6
▼ down 4551 · +20% births
1980
#10394
5
▼ down 3903 · -37% births
1975
#6491
8
▼ down 123 · +14% births
1970
#6368
7
▼ down 3685 · -67% births
1965
#2683
21
▼ down 374 · -19% births
1960
#2309
26
▼ down 790 · -42% births
1955
#1519
45
▼ down 347 · -27% births
1950
#1172
62
▼ down 348 · -25% births
1945
#824
83
▼ down 103 · -11% births
1940
#721
93
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Iola
1910Rank #294
327
#4328
↘Falling
1900 - 202323 years
The story of Iola
Iola has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 9,615 total births recorded, Iola remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #439 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10633 in 2023.
Iola means "Greek" — a name rooted in Greece 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 Iola?
Iola is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Iola have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Iola?
Iola originates from Greece tradition. Greece 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 Iola?
Iola is a three-syllable name pronounced AY0 OW1 L 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 Iola?
Iola pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Sibling names that pair with Iola
For a sister
Iola & Theo♡
Iola & Leon♡
Iola & Helen♡
Iola & Sophia♡
For a brother
Iola & Theo♡
Iola & Leon♡
Iola & Ulys♡
Iola & Theodore♡
Save your shortlist
Get your saved names emailed to you + weekly picks