Find out how popular the first name Phiona has been for the last 25 years (from 2000 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Phiona by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Phiona is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Phiona.

The history of the first name Phiona

The given name Phiona is believed to have originated from the Luganda language spoken in Uganda. It is a feminine name derived from the word "phiona," which translates to "to survive" or "to endure." The name's origins can be traced back to the 16th century in the region that is now known as Uganda.

Historically, the name Phiona was popular among the Baganda people, an ethnic group native to the Buganda Kingdom in present-day Uganda. It was often given to baby girls as a symbol of strength and resilience, reflecting the hope that they would overcome life's challenges and persevere through adversity.

While the name does not appear to have any direct references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it has been documented in various historical records and accounts from explorers and missionaries who visited the region during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Phiona can be found in the writings of John Hanning Speke, a British explorer who visited the Buganda Kingdom in the 1860s. In his journals, he mentioned encountering several individuals with the name, indicating its prevalence among the local population.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Phiona. One such person was Phiona Byamugisha (born in the late 19th century), a prominent figure in the Baganda community who played a significant role in preserving and promoting traditional Ugandan culture.

Another well-known bearer of the name was Phiona Mutesi (1835-1886), a prominent queen of the Buganda Kingdom who ruled during a period of significant political upheaval and helped solidify the kingdom's power and influence.

In more recent times, Phiona Mutesi (born in 1996) gained international recognition as a Ugandan chess prodigy whose remarkable journey from a Kampala slum to becoming a chess champion was depicted in the 2016 Disney film "Queen of Katwe."

Additionally, Phiona Namirembe (born in 1980) is a Ugandan journalist and human rights activist who has advocated for press freedom and highlighted issues related to gender equality and social justice.

Phiona Okibo (born in 1985) is another notable figure, a Ugandan environmentalist and entrepreneur who has spearheaded initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture and combat deforestation in her home country.

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

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

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