Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Fiona is a name of Scottish Gaelic origin, meaning 'fair' or 'white'. It evolved from the Old Irish word 'fionn' and gained popularity in the 19th century through literature and notable figures. The name is associated with traits of kindness and beauty, and it has no biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/fiˈoʊ.nə/
Origin
Scottish Gaelic
Etymology
The name Fiona is derived from the Gaelic word 'fionn', which means 'fair' or 'white'. It was popularized in the 19th century.
Meaning
fair, white
Language Evolution
Fionn (Old Irish), Fiona (Scottish Gaelic)
Historical Usage
Fiona gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly after being used in literature and by notable figures.
Variants & Derivatives
Fionna, Fion, Fio
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Fiona is perceived as a charming and elegant name, often associated with kindness and beauty.
Famous People
Fiona Apple, Fiona Shaw, Fiona Bruce
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,683 peak births in 2017
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in New Hampshire
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (5 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 5 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 24088th of 24088 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 5791st of 9204 | 35 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3160th of 12526 | 264 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1649th of 19264 | 940 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1077th of 27321 | 2,529 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 351st of 35406 | 14,250 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 249th of 30306 | 15,278 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
72.51% 1762nd/2430 |
- |
73.41% 2037th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
68.03% 1998th/2937 |
31.04% 1081st/3483 |
- |
32.12% 1299th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
35.96% 1325th/3685 |
15.06% 674th/4475 |
34.44% 1789th/5194 |
13.60% 859th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
8.49% 389th/4582 |
3.47% 179th/5164 |
8.26% 604th/7313 |
4.54% 339th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
5.45% 217th/3984 |
2.83% 127th/4487 |
6.70% 457th/6822 |
4.14% 260th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New Hampshire across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 24088th out of 24088 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5791st out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3160th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1649th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1077th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 351st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 249th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.