Fiona
Fiona is a girl name of Scottish Gaelic origin meaning “Fair, white, clear”, pronounced fee-OH-nuh. It ranked #470 in the United States in 2025, given to 654 babies, and peaked at #180 in 2017. Common nicknames: Fi, Fifi, Ona.
How popular is Fiona in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Fiona mean, and where does it come from?
Fiona was coined by the Scottish poet James Macpherson in the 18th century, based on the Gaelic word "fionn" meaning "fair" or "white." Macpherson used it in his Ossian poems, which were inspired by ancient Gaelic mythology. The name was later popularized by the Scottish author William Sharp, who used "Fiona Macleod" as his pen name. Fiona became widely known to younger generations through the animated film Shrek, where Princess Fiona is the spirited heroine. It remains a beloved choice in Scotland, Ireland, and across the English-speaking world for its lyrical sound and Celtic roots.
How is Fiona used around the world?
Fiona is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 7+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Fiona?
Famous People Named Fiona
- Fiona Apple — American singer-songwriter
- Fiona Shaw — Irish actress known for Harry Potter
- Fiona Bruce — British journalist and television presenter
Similar Names to Fiona
If you like Fiona, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Fiona
Looking for names that pair well with Fiona? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Fiona mean?
Fiona is a girl name of Scottish Gaelic origin meaning "Fair, white, clear." Fiona was coined by the Scottish poet James Macpherson in the 18th century, based on the Gaelic word "fionn" meaning "fair" or "white." Macpherson used it in his Ossian poems, which were inspired by ancient Gaelic mythology.
How do you pronounce Fiona?
Fiona is pronounced fee-OH-nuh. Common variations include Fionna, Fionnuala, Ffion.
Is Fiona a girl name?
Yes, Fiona is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Fi, Fifi, Ona.