Iona

Pronunciation: [ eye-OHN-uh ]

Girl Name #2,771 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

A sacred Scottish island carrying centuries of spiritual history

Scottish Irish Welsh British Christian

Earthy Spiritual Gentle Elegant Literary

Meaning & Origin

"island (of Saint Columba)"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic place name

Language: Scottish Gaelic

"dove"

Origin: Hebrew 'Yonah'

Language: Hebrew

The Story of Iona

Iona takes its name from the small Scottish island in the Inner Hebrides, one of Christianity's most sacred sites in the British Isles. The island's name may derive from the Hebrew 'Yonah' (dove) or from an Old Irish word. Saint Columba founded a famous monastery on Iona in 563 AD, and for centuries it was the center of Celtic Christianity in Scotland and Ireland. Using this place name as a given name carries the whole weight of that spiritual history.

Iona has been steadily rising in Scotland and across the UK as parents seek Celtic heritage names that feel grounded and beautiful. The wellness and spirituality movement has also boosted the name, given Iona's deep connection to pilgrimage and sacred community.

Iona is one of Scotland's most historically significant sites — it was the burial place of Scottish kings including Macbeth and Duncan I. The Iona Community, founded in 1938, remains an active ecumenical Christian community that draws thousands of visitors annually.

Fun Facts

Iona island is known as the 'Cradle of Christianity' in Scotland
The Book of Kells may have been created on Iona before being moved to Ireland for safety
Saint Columba brought Christianity from Ireland to Scotland via Iona in 563 AD

Iona in Other Languages

Irish Oileán Í

Latin Iona

Hebrew (root) יוֹנָה (Yonah)

Scottish Gaelic Ì Chaluim Chille

Famous People Named Iona

Iona Heath

Scientist

1950

British physician and academic, former president of the Royal College of General Practitioners

Saint Columba

Religious

521

Irish monk who founded the famous monastery on Iona in 563 AD, making the island a center of Celtic Christianity

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #2,771
Total SSA Count: 61
Cultural Origins: Scottish Irish Welsh British Christian
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Io Ona

Pairs Well With

Iona Rose Iona May Iona Grace Iona Jean Iona Claire Iona Maeve Iona Elspeth

Sibling Names

Isla Skye Rhona Ailsa Callum Fergus Rowan

Also a Boy Name

Iona is also used as a boy name, ranked #43279.

View Iona as a boy name →

Similar Names

Cora Laura Dora Flora Ora Lora Lenora Phoebe

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Iona

What does the name Iona mean?

"island (of Saint Columba)" (from Scottish Gaelic place name). "dove" (from Hebrew 'Yonah'). Iona takes its name from the small Scottish island in the Inner Hebrides, one of Christianity's most sacred sites in the British Isles. The island's name may derive from the Hebrew 'Yonah' (dove) or from an Old Irish word. Saint Columba founded a famous monastery on Iona in 563 AD, and for centuries it was the center of Celtic Christianity in Scotland and Ireland. Using this place name as a given name carries the whole weight of that spiritual history.

What is the origin of the name Iona?

Iona has Scottish Gaelic place name, Hebrew 'Yonah', Scottish, Irish, Welsh, British, and Christian origins. In Scottish Gaelic place name, it means "island (of Saint Columba)". In Hebrew 'Yonah', it means "dove".

Is Iona a boy or girl name?

Iona is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2771. As a boy name, it is ranked #43279. Iona is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Iona?

Iona is pronounced eye-OHN-uh.

How popular is the name Iona?

Iona is currently ranked #2771 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Iona?

Common nicknames for Iona include Io and Ona.

What are good middle names for Iona?

Popular middle name pairings include Iona Rose, Iona May, Iona Grace, Iona Jean, Iona Claire, Iona Maeve, and Iona Elspeth.

What are good sibling names for Iona?

Names that pair well with Iona as siblings include Isla, Skye, Rhona, Ailsa, Callum, Fergus, and Rowan.

How many syllables does Iona have?

Iona has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Iona a common or rare name?

Iona is an uncommon name, ranked #2771 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Iona

Iona is a girl name with Scottish, Irish, Welsh, British, and Christian origins . The name means "island (of Saint Columba)" in Scottish Gaelic place name .

Is Iona a boy or girl name? Iona is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,771 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #43,279. Iona is more commonly used as a girl name.

Iona is currently ranked #2,771 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Iona has 3 syllables and is pronounced eye-OHN-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Iona include Io and Ona. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.