Iona
Meaning of Iona
The name Iona is a beautiful and unique choice for a baby girl, pronounced as eye-OH-nuh. It has its origins in Greek, where it means "blessed" or "violet flower." The name also carries significant historical and cultural associations with the small island of Iona off the western coast of Scotland. This island is renowned for its ancient monastery founded by St. Columba and is considered one of the oldest and most important religious centers in Western Europe. The name Iona evokes images of serene landscapes and spiritual tranquility, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with depth and heritage. Despite its rich history, Iona remains relatively rare in the United States, maintaining a modest but steady presence in baby name rankings over the decades. Its variant, Ione, offers another elegant option while preserving the same ethereal charm.
Pronunciation
British English
- Pronunced as eye-OH-nuh (/aɪ ˈəʊ nə/)
American English
- Pronunced as eye-OH-nuh (/aɪ ˈoʊ nə/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Iona
| Iona Fyfe is a Scottish singer known for her performances of Scots folk songs and ballads, as well as her advocacy for the Scots language. |
| Iona Rozeal Brown - Rozeal is a contemporary American artist known for her colorful and complex cross-cultural paintings that comment on cultural, racial, and sexual identity. |
| Iona Winter is a New Zealand writer known for her work in hybrid fiction, poetry, and short fiction. |
| Iona Campbell, Duchess of Argyll - Iona Mary Campbell, Dowager Duchess of Argyll, was a Scottish noblewoman who was married to the 12th Duke of Argyll from 1964 until his death in 2001. |
