"island (of Saint Columba)"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic place name
Language: Scottish Gaelic
Iona
Pronunciation: [ eye-OHN-uh ]
Does Iona flow with your last name?
A sacred Scottish island carrying centuries of spiritual history
Scottish
Irish
Welsh
British
Christian
Earthy
Spiritual
Gentle
Elegant
Literary
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"dove"
Origin: Hebrew 'Yonah'
Language: Hebrew
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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.
Historical Record
Iona first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 2,522 babies have been named Iona in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Iona is past its peak , currently ranked #2,771 for girl names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#2,771
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1951
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Iona
I
Iona Heath
Scientist
1950
British physician and academic, former president of the Royal College of General Practitioners
S
Saint Columba
Religious
521
Irish monk who founded the famous monastery on Iona in 563 AD, making the island a center of Celtic Christianity
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See all →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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Distinctive pick, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Distinctive pick, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Distinctive pick, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Irish heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Distinctive pick, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Iona
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Iona is also used as a boy name, ranked #43279.
View Iona as a boy name →Similar Names
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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 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.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis