What does Iona mean and where does it come from?
Iona is derived from the Scottish island of Iona, which is known for its historical significance and beauty. The name is of Scottish Gaelic origin meaning 'island'. Additionally, in Greek, Iona can mean 'violet flower.' The name has seen a resurgence in modern times in both Scotland and across Engli
Cultural significance
Iona has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of island.
Peak popularity
Reached #317 in 1918 — currently #1026 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Iona?
Iona works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Iona Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Iona Rose
Floral · soft ending
Iona Claire
French influence · crisp
Iona Jane
Literary · strong
Iona Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Iona right now?
Holding steady — currently #1026 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1026 | 1,174 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1031 | 1,154 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1036 | 1,124 | ▲ up 1999 · +2062% births |
| 2020 | #3035 | 52 | ▼ down 301 · -19% births |
| 2015 | #2734 | 64 | ▲ up 836 · +45% births |
| 2010 | #3570 | 44 | ▲ up 1135 · +57% births |
| 2005 | #4705 | 28 | ▼ down 176 · +8% births |
| 2000 | #4529 | 26 | ▲ up 8858 · +420% births |
| 1995 | #13387 | 5 | ▼ down 4139 · -37% births |
| 1990 | #9248 | 8 | ▼ down 2296 · -11% births |
| 1985 | #6952 | 9 | ▼ down 2210 · -40% births |
| 1980 | #4742 | 15 | ▼ down 1225 · -21% births |
| 1975 | #3517 | 19 | ▼ down 661 · -21% births |
| 1970 | #2856 | 24 | ▼ down 510 · -8% births |
| 1965 | #2346 | 26 | — |
The story of Iona
Iona has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 11,927 babies have received this name. Once ranked #395 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1026 in 2023. Iona is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Iona in 1918:
Iona by decade
Iona peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 224 | |
| 1890s | 455 | |
| 1900s | 838 | |
| 1910s | 2,362 | |
| 1920s ★ | 3,151 | |
| 1930s | 1,747 | |
| 1940s | 887 | |
| 1950s | 610 | |
| 1960s | 290 | |
| 1970s | 196 | |
| 1980s | 139 | |
| 1990s | 126 | |
| 2000s | 310 | |
| 2010s | 540 | |
| 2020s | 52 | |
What are good nicknames for Iona?
What names sound and feel like Iona?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Iona also consider these
Common questions about the name Iona
What does the name Iona mean?
Iona means "island" — 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 Iona?
Iona is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Iona?
Iona 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 Iona?
Iona is a three-syllable name pronounced AY0 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 Iona?
Iona 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.