Iona vs James

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 →

James

Boy #5 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"supplanter, one who follows at the heel"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

English Scottish Biblical

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#5
Total SSA Count
11,793
Syllables
1
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Jim, Jimmy, Jamie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for James →

Popularity Comparison

Iona Rank #2,771
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #2771 for Iona.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Iona ___

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

James ___

  • James Alexander
  • James William
  • James Thomas
  • James Edward
  • James Henry
  • James Patrick

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Iona

Isla Skye Rhona Ailsa Callum

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

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 Iona or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Iona at #2771 in the United States.

What do Iona and James mean?

Iona means "island (of Saint Columba)" (Scottish Gaelic place name origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Iona and James boy or girl names?

Iona is primarily a girl name. James is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

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