What does Fiona mean?
From the Gaelic fionn, “fair” or “white,” coined by the poet James Macpherson.
What does Isla mean?
From the Scottish island and river Islay; taken as “island.”
Fiona vs Isla
Which is more popular?
Isla is more popular than Fiona today: about 6,012 US babies were given the name Isla in 2025, compared with 654 named Fiona.
| Fiona | Isla | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Fair, white | Island |
| Origin | Scottish | Scottish |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | fee-OH-nuh | EYE-luh |
| Syllables | 3 | 2 |
| First appeared | 1942 | 1886 |
| Peak year | 2017 (1,683) | 2025 (6,012) |
| In 2025 | 654 | 6,012 |
| Trend | Steady | Near its peak |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Fiona
Isla
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Fiona | Isla |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 5,251 | 32,186 |
| 2010s | 14,669 | 22,864 |
| 2000s | 8,778 | 1,925 |
| 1990s | 3,133 | 144 |
| 1980s | 955 | 55 |
| 1970s | 597 | 26 |
| 1960s | 438 | 20 |
| 1950s | 91 | 33 |
| 1940s | 47 | 95 |
| 1930s | 0 | 182 |
| 1920s | 0 | 269 |
| 1910s | 0 | 244 |
| 1900s | 0 | 112 |
| 1890s | 0 | 74 |
| 1880s | 0 | 23 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fiona or Isla more popular?
Isla is more popular than Fiona today: about 6,012 US babies were given the name Isla in 2025, compared with 654 named Fiona.
What is the difference between Fiona and Isla?
Fiona means Fair, white (Scottish origin), while Isla means Island (Scottish origin).
Which name is older, Fiona or Isla?
In US records, Fiona first appears in 1942 and Isla in 1886, so Isla has the longer recorded history.