Fiona

Updated September 2015

Fiona ~ Fair, White ~ Scottish

History & Recent Use
The name Fiona was invented by a Scottish poet during the early 20th century, who wrote "Let the sighs of Fiona rise." The word was taken from the Scottish fionn, meaning fair. Nothing says Scotland to me quite like the beautiful name Fiona.

The name began to catch on in Scotland and other European countries soon after, but Americans didn't take notice until the 1990s, with the rise of popular Celtic girls names like Caitlin and Brianna. More were drawn to the name when singer Fiona Apple debuted her first album in 1996. More recently, the Shrek movies, featuring Princess Fiona, have brought it to an incredibly large audience and given it staying power.

Popularity & Personality
Fiona is slowly becoming more popular. But I don't consider it a "trendy" name that will fade quickly. Fiona will maintain use in America, particularly among parents with Scottish roots or those who are looking for something different and elegant. Not many girls' names start with F, and I'd argue that Fiona is unique based on its letters alone. Nice vowel sounds make this name airy but not lacking in personality. It's soft and lyrical.

Rank: #204 in the U.S. for 2014
What is Name Rank?

Celebrity Babies Named Fiona

• Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli's daughter, born in 2006
• Chad Lowe's daughter, born in 2012

Celebrities named Fiona

• Fiona Apple, 90s pop singer
• Fiona Xie, Singaporan actress
• Fiona Shaw, Irish actress

Similar names

• Fiora
• Leona
• Fiala
• Iona