Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Fiona
GirlScottish, Irish· “fair, white”
- Meaning
- fair, white
- Origin
- Scottish, Irish
- Pronunciation
- fee-OH-nuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #470
- US babies 2025
- 654
- Best rank
- #180 (2017)
- Peak year
- 2017
Meaning and origin of Fiona
Fiona is a Scottish and Irish name that means “fair, white”.
Fiona was popularized in the eighteenth century by the Scottish poet James Macpherson, who used it in his Ossian poems. It is based on the Gaelic fionn, meaning "white" or "fair." Later, the Scottish writer William Sharp published under the pen name Fiona Macleod, which helped spread the name further. Fiona became well established in Scotland and then across the English-speaking world. Many younger people also know it from the princess in the animated film Shrek. It has a soft, bright sound and a Celtic charm, with Fi and Fifi as affectionate nicknames.
Popularity over time
Fiona first appears in US Social Security records in 1942. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 35 different years, starting in 1990. Its best national rank was #180 in 2017, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,683 babies. In 2025, 654 babies were named Fiona, and it ranked #470 nationally. That is 56% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,752 in 1980, #461 in 2000, #258 in 2010, and #470 in 2025. Of the 33,959 US girls named Fiona since records began, 43% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 8,778 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Adaline, Anastasia, Juliet, Journey, and Teagan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Fiona ranked highest in District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and Delaware.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | #128 | 6 |
| Massachusetts | #146 | 39 |
| Delaware | #151 | 6 |
| Maine | #230 | 5 |
| New Jersey | #242 | 34 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Fiona is usually pronounced fee-OH-nuh, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with F and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Fiona
A few middle names that flow with Fiona: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Fiona
Similar names
Brianna Girl
bree-AN-uh
“feminine of Brian” · Irish
#222
Mckenna Girl
muh-KEN-uh
“son of Cionaodh” · Irish
#410
Briana Girl
bree-AH-nuh
“possibly high, noble” · Irish
#661
Sabrina Girl
suh-BREE-nuh
“from the Latin name of the River Severn” · Latin
#321
Makenna Girl
muh-KEN-uh
“son of Cionaodh” · Irish
#593
Jimena Girl
hih-MEH-nuh
Spanish
#578
Alanna Girl
uh-LAN-uh
“uncertain; feminine of Alan” · Irish
#280
Helena Girl
HEH-luh-nuh
“uncertain; possibly torch or light” · Greek
#363
Kenna Girl
KEN-uh
“short for McKenna” · Irish
#759
Davina Girl
duh-VEE-nuh
“feminine of David, 'beloved'” · Scottish
#749
Mckinley Girl
muh-KIHN-lee
“son of Finlay, 'fair warrior'” · Scottish
#714
Athena Girl
uh-THEE-nuh
Greek
#109
Lists that include Fiona
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Fiona mean?
Fiona is a Scottish and Irish name that means “fair, white”.
What is the origin of the name Fiona?
Fiona has Scottish and Irish roots. Fiona was popularized in the eighteenth century by the Scottish poet James Macpherson, who used it in his Ossian poems.
Is Fiona a popular name?
Yes. Fiona ranked #470 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Fiona a boy or girl name?
Fiona is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Fiona?
Fiona is usually pronounced fee-OH-nuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings