Find out how popular the first name Io has been for the last 24 years (from 2000 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Io by gender

Based on the last 24 years of data, Io is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 86% of people named Io being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 10 female babies and 5 male babies born with the name Io.

The history of the first name Io

Io is a given name with its origins in ancient Greek mythology. The name is derived from the Greek word "ion," which means "violet flower." It is closely associated with the mythological figure Io, a priestess of Hera who was turned into a heifer by Zeus to conceal their affair.

The earliest recorded use of the name Io can be traced back to ancient Greek literature, particularly Homer's Iliad and Ovid's Metamorphoses, where the story of Io's transformation is recounted. In these texts, Io is depicted as a tragic figure, subjected to the whims of the gods and ultimately transformed into a wandering, tormented creature.

Throughout the centuries, the name Io has been borne by various notable individuals. One of the earliest recorded examples is Io of Chios, a renowned Greek poet and writer who lived in the 5th century BCE. She is credited with the invention of the literary genre known as "Iambic verse."

In the realm of astronomy, Io is also the name of one of the four largest moons of Jupiter, discovered by Galileo Galilei in 1610. This celestial body was named after the mythological figure, further cementing the name's place in history.

Another famous bearer of the name was Io Chirica (1888-1935), a Romanian poet and writer known for her contributions to the Symbolist movement. Her works explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition, earning her critical acclaim during her lifetime.

Moving into the 20th century, Io Fuller (1923-2015) was an American author and editor who played a significant role in the Science Fiction and Fantasy genres. She co-founded the prestigious Nebula Awards and served as the president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.

More recently, Io Tillett Wright (born 1986) is an American artist, activist, and television personality known for their work in LGBTQ+ advocacy and representation. Their photography project, "Self Evident Truths," aimed to capture the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.

While not an exhaustive list, these examples showcase the rich history and diverse individuals who have borne the name Io throughout the centuries, spanning literature, mythology, astronomy, and various creative fields.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Io was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Io, please contact us.

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