What does Fiona mean?
From the Gaelic fionn, “fair” or “white,” coined by the poet James Macpherson.
What does Skye mean?
Skye takes its name from the Isle of Skye, and echoes the English word “sky.”
Fiona vs Skye
Which is more popular?
Fiona is more popular than Skye today: about 654 US babies were given the name Fiona in 2025, compared with 569 named Skye.
| Fiona | Skye | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Fair, white | Isle of Skye; sky |
| Origin | Scottish | Scottish |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | fee-OH-nuh | SKY |
| Syllables | 3 | 1 |
| First appeared | 1942 | 1952 |
| Peak year | 2017 (1,683) | 2014 (887) |
| In 2025 | 654 | 569 |
| Trend | Steady | Steady |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Fiona
Skye
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Fiona | Skye |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 5,251 | 4,061 |
| 2010s | 14,669 | 7,453 |
| 2000s | 8,778 | 6,708 |
| 1990s | 3,133 | 3,852 |
| 1980s | 955 | 1,440 |
| 1970s | 597 | 635 |
| 1960s | 438 | 56 |
| 1950s | 91 | 57 |
| 1940s | 47 | 0 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fiona or Skye more popular?
Fiona is more popular than Skye today: about 654 US babies were given the name Fiona in 2025, compared with 569 named Skye.
What is the difference between Fiona and Skye?
Fiona means Fair, white (Scottish origin), while Skye means Isle of Skye; sky (Scottish origin).
Which name is older, Fiona or Skye?
In US records, Fiona first appears in 1942 and Skye in 1952, so Fiona has the longer recorded history.