Iona is a feminine given name of Scottish origin. The name is derived from the Scottish island of Iona, which has been an important center of Christian worship since the Middle Ages. The island's name comes from the Gaelic word "Ì Chùilainn," meaning "Yew Isle." Therefore, the name Iona itself means "Yew Isle."
The island of Iona is believed to have been named after a woman called Iona or Ioana who was a Celtic saint. According to legend, she was a nun who lived in the 6th century and founded a monastery on the island with her brother, St. Columba. The monastery became an important center for Christianity in Scotland, and many pilgrims have visited the island throughout history.
The name Iona has gained popularity as a given name in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries such as England, Ireland, Australia, and Canada. It is often chosen by parents who are attracted to its Scottish origins and its association with religious significance. However, it is important to note that while the name does have historical and cultural importance, it is not exclusively tied to any particular religion or faith.
In terms of popularity, Iona has never been among the most common names in Scotland or other English-speaking countries. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, for example, the name Iona was given to fewer than five girls each year between 2000 and 2019. Nevertheless, it remains a distinctive and meaningful name choice that many parents continue to appreciate.
In conclusion, Iona is a feminine given name of Scottish origin that derives from the Gaelic word "Ì Chùilainn," meaning "Yew Isle." The name has historical significance due to its association with the island of Iona and St. Columba, but it is not exclusively tied to any particular religion or faith. While not particularly common, Iona remains a distinctive and meaningful name choice for many parents around the world.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name "Iona" in the United States from 1880 to 2023. The name's popularity fluctuated significantly over this period.
In the late 19th century, between 1880 and 1899, there were consistently fewer than 50 births per year with the name "Iona". However, starting from 1900, we see a steady increase in the number of births with this name. The years 1915 to 1923 saw a peak in popularity for the name, with over 300 births each year.
After 1924, there was another significant decline, with fewer than 300 births per year until around 1967. From then on, there were consistently between 20 and 50 births per year until about 1996.
Since the late 1990s, there has been a noticeable increase in the popularity of the name "Iona". Between 1997 and 2022, the number of annual births with this name ranged from around 20 to over 75. The most recent data available shows that there were 75 births with the name "Iona" in 2022.
Overall, while the popularity of the name "Iona" has varied greatly throughout history, it appears to have experienced a resurgence in recent years in the United States.