Girl Name · Scottish Origin
Iona
Iona is a girl baby name of Scottish origin, meaning "Island of yew trees". It currently sits in the Rare tier of US baby names for 2026, and parents who love Iona often also consider Ina.
Iona meaning, origin, and usage
Meaning: Island of yew trees
Origin: Scottish naming roots help connect Iona to related Scottish baby names.
Pronunciation: Baby Name Studio pronounces Iona as I·O·N·A, with 4 letters and a girl usage profile.
Popularity: According to Baby Name Studio's 2026 tracker, Iona is an uncommon, standout choice in the Rare tier.
Iona variants, nicknames, middle names, and sibling names
- Variants and spelling ideas: Ionaa, Ionae, Ionay, Ion.
- Nicknames: Iona works as its own nickname.
- Middle names: Pair Iona with a middle name that balances its short sound; start with the Iona middle name generator.
- Sibling names: Ina, Ione, Ian, Iain, Inaya — full picks on the sibling names for Iona guide for a cohesive sibset.
- Similar names: Looking for names that sound like Iona? Browse our names like Iona guide for phonetic-neighbor picks.
- Explore more: use the Baby Name Explorer, name search, AI name generator, and Baby Name Studio homepage.
Frequently asked about Iona
What does the name Iona mean?
Iona means "Island of yew trees" and is of Scottish origin.
What is the origin of Iona?
Iona originates in Scottish naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Iona?
Iona has 4 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Iona a boy's or girl's name?
Iona is primarily used as a girl's name in US records.
How popular is Iona in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Iona sits in the Rare tier — an uncommon, standout choice.
What names are similar to Iona?
Names that share Iona's sound and style include Ina, Ione, Ian, Iain, Inaya.
What middle names pair well with Iona?
Good middle-name fits for Iona pair an opposite syllable rhythm: if Iona is short, lean longer (e.g. classical or three-syllable middles); if Iona is longer, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
What are good sibling names for Iona?
Sibling names that pair naturally with Iona share its rhythm without rhyming — Ina, Ione, Ian all sit comfortably alongside it on a shortlist.