Emma vs Iona

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Iona

Girl #2,771 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"island (of Saint Columba)"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic place name

Cultural Roots

Scottish Irish Welsh British Christian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,771
Total SSA Count
61
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Io, Ona

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Iona →

Popularity Comparison

Emma Rank #2
Iona Rank #2,771

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 vs #2771 for Iona.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Emma ___

  • Emma Rose
  • Emma Grace
  • Emma Jane
  • Emma Louise
  • Emma Kate
  • Emma Marie

Iona ___

  • Iona Rose
  • Iona May
  • Iona Grace
  • Iona Jean
  • Iona Claire
  • Iona Maeve

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Emma

Olivia Charlotte Liam Henry Sophia

If you choose Iona

Isla Skye Rhona Ailsa Callum

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Emma or Iona more popular?

Emma is more popular, ranked #2 compared to Iona at #2771 in the United States.

What do Emma and Iona mean?

Emma means "strength" (Germanic origin). Iona means "island (of Saint Columba)" (Scottish Gaelic place name origin).

Are Emma and Iona boy or girl names?

Emma is primarily a girl name. Iona is primarily a girl name.

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← Full profile: Emma ← Full profile: Iona Browse all baby names