Fiona: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced fee-OH-nuh · 3 syllables
Fiona means “fair, white”, from Scottish and Irish.
From Irish fionn (“fair, white”). In use before 1713. Popularized by James Macpherson (see 1765 quotation), and perhaps by the 19th-century Scottish writer William Sharp, who chose “Fiona Macleod” as his pen name. * (Sara Duterte): After the fictional character Princess Fiona from the Shrek series, who transforms from princess to ogre.
- Meaning
- fair, white
- Origin
- Scottish, Irish
- Pronunciation
- fee-OH-nuh
- US rank (2025)
- #470
- US babies a year
- about 832 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2010
How popular is Fiona?
Fiona was the #470 name in the US in 2025, given to 654 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 44% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2010.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #470 |
| Scotland | #636 |
| Ireland | #328 |
| Norway | #390 |
| Canada | #395 |
| Australia | #576 |
How old are people named Fiona?
Half of US adults named Fiona are older than 24; most are between 18 and 54. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Fiona
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Fiona have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Fiona
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Fiona
What does the name Fiona mean?
Fiona means “fair, white”. It comes from Scottish and Irish.
How do you pronounce Fiona?
Fiona is pronounced fee-OH-nuh.
How popular is the name Fiona?
Fiona was the #470 name in the US in 2025, given to 654 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 44% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2010.
How old are people named Fiona?
Half of US adults named Fiona are older than 24. Most are between 18 and 54.