Home Name Meanings Iona

Iona Name Meaning, Origin & History

Name Meaning & Origin

Iona

🔊 AY-oh-nah  /aɪˈoʊnə/

"Island of the Yew"

Celtic Origin Christianity Predominantly Female 📈 Peak 1918 👥 12,196 in US Christian Biblical Spiritual
📖
Meaning
Island of the Yew
🌍
Origin
Celtic
👥
US Bearers
12,196
Life Path
Number 3

📖 What Does Iona Mean?

Derived from the Celtic word ‘Ion’, meaning ‘island’. The name Iona is often associated with the Island of Iona in Scotland, which was an important religious site in early Christianity. The name symbolizes a place of refuge, spiritual growth, and connection to nature.

🌐 From Wikipedia Source ↗

Iona is a given name that is taken from the Scottish island of Iona, which has a particular significance in the history of Christianity. The derivation of this island name itself is uncertain. The earliest forms of the name enabled toponymist William J. Watson to state that it originally meant something like "yew-place".…

Root Element
Iona
Core Meaning
"Island of the Yew"
Language
English, Greek, Latin
Themes
Fire · Water

🌐 Iona in Different Languages

🇬🇧 English
Iona
island in Scotland with spiritual significance

Iona is the name of an island in Scotland, associated with deep spiritual meaning in Christianity, and attributed to early Christian tradition and historical significance…

Personality of Iona

Emotional Traits

Compassionate Intuitive Gentle

Hidden Personality

C = Creative
H = Healing

🍀 Lucky Attributes

📅
Lucky Day
Monday
🔢
Lucky Number
5
💎
Lucky Stone
Jade
🌟
Life Path
3

Lucky Colors

Green
Blue
Teal

Numerology: Those with a 3 Life Path Number are creative, artistic, and charismatic individuals. They have a strong desire for self-expression and a natural ability to inspire and captivate others.

🔢 Numerology of Iona

I 9
O 6
N 5
A 1
SUM 3
3
Life Path
Creativity & Expression
7
Soul Urge
Wisdom & Introspection
5
Personality
Freedom & Adventure

Life Path 3 — Creativity & Expression: Charismatic, artistic, and highly communicative.

🕊️ Cultural & Spiritual Significance

Cultural Impact

Iona is a name deeply rooted in Scottish history and culture. The name has become synonymous with the beautiful and historically significant Island of Iona, which played a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity in Scotland. The name carries the legacy of the island's rich history and traditions.

Spiritual Significance

Iona is a name with deep spiritual significance, symbolizing refuge, community, and connection to a higher power. It is a name that evokes images of monks living in solitude, seeking enlightenment and communing with God in the beauty of nature. The name is filled with a sense of peace and tranquility, encouraging those who bear it to seek inner growth and wisdom.

Gender Distribution

♂ Male0%
♀ Female100%

Based on 12,196 US Social Security records

📈 US Popularity

Total US bearers 12,196
Peak year 1918 (404)
First recorded 1880
Last recorded 2024
Gender Predominantly Female
Full US statistics →

🗺️ Global Popularity

Overall Popularity Score 55/100
🌍 Germany
45%
🌍 Brazil
63%

Historical Journey

🌱
Ancient Roots

Root element "Iona" emerges in Celtic tradition, carrying the core meaning "Island of the Yew".

📜
Classical Period

Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.

⚔️
Medieval Period

Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.

🌊
Modern Adoption

Standardized in its current form, established across English-speaking and Muslim communities.

📈
Today (2026)

~12,196 people named Iona in the US. Peaked in 1918 with 404 recorded uses.

🏛️
6th century

Historical records show that Iona is a Scottish island The name Iona carried significant spiritual weight in that era.

Modern Usage

The name Iona remains relevant in modern Christian society, representing a bridge between traditional Biblical values and contemporary life. It is widely discussed on digital platforms and continues to be a popular choice for families seeking meaningful Christian names.

Famous People Named Iona

I
Iona Fyfe

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Iona mean?

Iona means "Island of the Yew" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.

Is Iona a good Christian name?

Yes, Iona is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.

What is the origin of the name Iona?

Iona has Celtic origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.

What is the numerology number for Iona?

The Life Path number for Iona is 3, associated with Creativity & Expression. Soul Urge: 7. Personality: 5.

Is Iona a boy or girl name?

Iona is Predominantly Female. Based on US data, 0% male and 100% female.

How many people are named Iona in the US?

Approximately 12,196 people in the United States are named Iona. The name peaked in 1918 with 404 recorded uses.

🔗 Related & Similar Names

Related Names

Ione Eunice Io

Similar Sounding

Eon Ian Aria

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