Iona vs Liam

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 →

Liam

Boy #1 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"strong-willed warrior"

Origin: Irish

Cultural Roots

Irish English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1
Total SSA Count
22,164
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Lee

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Liam →

Popularity Comparison

Iona Rank #2,771
Liam Rank #1

Liam is more popular, ranked #1 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

Liam ___

  • Liam James
  • Liam Alexander
  • Liam Thomas
  • Liam Michael
  • Liam Patrick
  • Liam Joseph

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Iona

Isla Skye Rhona Ailsa Callum

If you choose Liam

Olivia Emma Noah Charlotte Sophia

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 Liam more popular?

Liam is more popular, ranked #1 compared to Iona at #2771 in the United States.

What do Iona and Liam mean?

Iona means "island (of Saint Columba)" (Scottish Gaelic place name origin). Liam means "strong-willed warrior" (Irish origin).

Are Iona and Liam boy or girl names?

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

More Comparisons

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