Kieona is a unique and distinctive given name of African American origin, derived from the Swahili word "ki" meaning 'small' and 'iona' meaning 'born'. This name is often associated with strength, resilience, and uniqueness due to its uncommon usage in many parts of the world. It's also believed to have gained some popularity following the release of the 2014 film "Selma," which depicted the life of Civil Rights activist and leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose first name was also derived from a Swahili word, 'Khalisi,' meaning 'truth.'
"Kieona experienced its peak popularity during the mid-90s with seven births in 1992 and nine births in 1996. However, it seems to have decreased in usage since then, with five births each year from 1998 onwards, except for a spike in 2004 with another five births. Overall, the name Kieona has been given to fifty babies between 1981 and 2004."