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.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Iola?
Iola works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Iola Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Iola Rose
Floral · soft ending
Iola Claire
French influence · crisp
Iola Jane
Literary · strong
Iola Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Iola right now?
Rising fast — up 71 spots — currently #10633 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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.
Names that peaked alongside Iola in 1907:
Iola by decade
Iola peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 233 | |
| 1890s | 471 | |
| 1900s | 953 | |
| 1910s | 2,525 | |
| 1920s ★ | 2,546 | |
| 1930s | 1,367 | |
| 1940s | 692 | |
| 1950s | 437 | |
| 1960s | 164 | |
| 1970s | 79 | |
| 1980s | 40 | |
| 2000s | 19 | |
| 2010s | 78 | |
| 2020s | 11 | |
💎With 9,615 total births, Iola is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Iola?
What names sound and feel like Iola?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Iola also consider these
How is Iola written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Iola
What does the name Iola mean?
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.