Find out how popular the first name Iona has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Iona by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Iona is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Iona being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 56 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Iona.

The history of the first name Iona

The name Iona has its origins in the Greek language and is derived from the name of the Ionian Sea, which separates Greece from the southern part of Italy. The name is believed to have been inspired by the Greek word "ion," meaning "violet flower." This connection suggests that the name may have been associated with beauty and nature from its earliest origins.

Iona is also the name of a small island off the west coast of Scotland, which has been an important religious and cultural center since the 6th century. St. Columba, an Irish monk, founded a monastery on the island in 563 AD, and it became a renowned center of learning and religious study throughout the Middle Ages. The island's name is thought to derive from the Gaelic word "Ì Chaluim Chille," meaning "the island of Columba's church."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Iona is in the medieval Latin text "Vita Columbae" (Life of Columba), written around 700 AD by Adomnán, the ninth abbot of Iona. This text recounts the life and miracles of St. Columba, and the name Iona is used to refer to the island where his monastery was located.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Iona. One of the earliest was Iona of Taunton (c. 1200-1268), an English nun and abbess of the Benedictine monastery of St. Mary's in Taunton, Somerset. Another was Iona Bain (1858-1953), a Scottish artist and illustrator known for her watercolor paintings and etchings.

In more recent times, Iona Brown (1941-2004) was a British violinist and conductor who founded the Iona Brown Ensemble and made numerous recordings of baroque and classical music. Iona Opie (1923-2017) was a British writer and scholar who, along with her husband Peter, wrote extensively on the folklore and games of children.

Iona Monahan (born 1925) is a Canadian actress and singer who has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions throughout her long career. Her performances in productions like "Anne of Green Gables" and "The Friendly Giant" have made her a beloved figure in Canadian entertainment.

Overall, the name Iona has a rich history spanning various cultures and time periods, with connections to religious and literary traditions, as well as artistic and creative pursuits. Its origins in Greek and Gaelic language and mythology have contributed to its enduring appeal as a given name for centuries.

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 Iona was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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