Fiona is a name of Irish origin, meaning "fair-haired" or "white". It comes from the Irish word "fionn", which means white or fair. The name has been popular in Ireland for centuries and was brought to other parts of the world by Irish immigrants.
The earliest known use of the name Fiona can be traced back to the 13th century, when it appeared as a female given name in Irish literature. However, it is believed that the name was used even earlier than this. In the Middle Ages, Fiona was often associated with Celtic mythology and legend. It was said to be the name of a beautiful woman who was transformed into a bird by a sorcerer.
In more recent times, Fiona has become popular outside of Ireland. It gained popularity in the United States and other English-speaking countries during the 20th century, particularly after it was used as a character name in several books and films. Today, Fiona is considered to be a classic and timeless name that continues to be chosen by parents for their daughters.
Overall, Fiona is a name with deep roots in Irish history and culture, but which has also gained international recognition and appeal. Its meaning of "fair-haired" or "white" adds to its beauty and elegance, making it a popular choice among those looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Fiona has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years, with a total of 32,506 babies born with this name in the United States since 1942.
In the early years, the number of births with the name Fiona was quite low. Between 1942 and 1957, there were fewer than 20 births per year on average. However, starting from 1958, we begin to see a steady increase in the popularity of the name Fiona.
The years between 1960 and 1963 marked a significant turning point for the name Fiona, with an average of over 40 births per year during this period. This trend continued throughout the 1970s, with an average of around 55 births per year.
The 1980s saw a further increase in popularity for the name Fiona, with over 80 births per year on average. The highest number of births recorded during this decade was in 1989, with 203 babies named Fiona.
Throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, the popularity of the name Fiona continued to grow, with over 600 births per year on average. The years between 2002 and 2004 were particularly notable, with over 900 births per year during this period.
The peak popularity of the name Fiona occurred in 2013, with a total of 1,640 babies born with this name that year. Since then, the popularity of the name has seen a slight decline, but it remains relatively popular nonetheless.
In recent years, the number of births with the name Fiona has continued to fluctuate. In 2022, there were 881 births recorded, while in 2023, this number decreased to 764 births.
Overall, the statistics show that the name Fiona has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years, particularly since the 1960s. While its peak popularity occurred in 2013, it remains a popular choice for parents today.