Find out how popular the first name Iyona has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Iyona by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Iyona is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Iyona.

The history of the first name Iyona

The name Iyona is believed to have its origins in the Hebrew language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is a variant spelling of the biblical name Jonah, which is derived from the Hebrew word "yonah" meaning "dove." This name has strong ties to the Old Testament narrative of the prophet Jonah, who was famously swallowed by a great fish and later emerged unharmed.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Iyona can be found in the Book of Jonah, where the prophet is referred to as "Yonah" in the original Hebrew text. This biblical account, which dates back to around the 8th century BCE, is considered one of the most well-known stories in the Hebrew scriptures and has been widely studied and interpreted throughout history.

In the centuries following the compilation of the Old Testament, the name Iyona appears to have been used sporadically among Jewish communities. One notable individual bearing this name was Iyona ben Avraham, a 12th-century Jewish philosopher and scholar from Spain who wrote extensively on religious and philosophical topics.

As the name Iyona spread beyond its Hebrew roots, it underwent various spelling and pronunciation variations in different languages and cultures. In the 14th century, an Italian Catholic saint named Iovona da Narni was canonized, although the connection between her name and the Hebrew Iyona is not entirely clear.

During the Renaissance period, the name Iyona gained some prominence in certain artistic and literary circles. One notable figure was Iyona Andreevich Vyshensky, a 16th-century Ukrainian polemicist and writer who played a significant role in the cultural and religious debates of his time.

In more recent history, the name Iyona has been carried by several notable individuals across various fields. One example is Iyona Kuzo, a 20th-century Ukrainian painter and artist who was celebrated for her vibrant and expressive works. Another is Iyona Khrystoforova, a Soviet-era gymnast who represented the Soviet Union in the 1960s and won multiple Olympic and World Championship medals.

While the name Iyona has maintained a modest presence throughout history, it remains a unique and intriguing choice, carrying with it the rich legacy of its Hebrew origins and the biblical story of the prophet Jonah. Its enduring appeal lies in its connection to ancient narratives and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries, making it a name that continues to captivate and inspire.

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

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

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