What does Isla mean?
From the Scottish island and river Islay; taken as “island.”
What does Iona mean?
Iona is the name of a sacred Hebridean island, a cradle of Celtic Christianity.
Isla vs Iona
Which is more popular?
Isla is more popular than Iona today: about 6,012 US babies were given the name Isla in 2025, compared with 65 named Iona.
| Isla | Iona | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Island | Island |
| Origin | Scottish | Scottish |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | EYE-luh | eye-OH-nah |
| Syllables | 2 | 3 |
| First appeared | 1886 | 1880 |
| Peak year | 2025 (6,012) | 1918 (404) |
| In 2025 | 6,012 | 65 |
| Trend | Near its peak | Rising |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Isla
Iona
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Isla | Iona |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 32,186 | 376 |
| 2010s | 22,864 | 543 |
| 2000s | 1,925 | 305 |
| 1990s | 144 | 126 |
| 1980s | 55 | 139 |
| 1970s | 26 | 198 |
| 1960s | 20 | 290 |
| 1950s | 33 | 610 |
| 1940s | 95 | 887 |
| 1930s | 182 | 1,747 |
| 1920s | 269 | 3,151 |
| 1910s | 244 | 2,362 |
| 1900s | 112 | 838 |
| 1890s | 74 | 455 |
| 1880s | 23 | 224 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Isla or Iona more popular?
Isla is more popular than Iona today: about 6,012 US babies were given the name Isla in 2025, compared with 65 named Iona.
What is the difference between Isla and Iona?
Isla means Island (Scottish origin), while Iona means Island (Scottish origin).
Which name is older, Isla or Iona?
In US records, Isla first appears in 1886 and Iona in 1880, so Iona has the longer recorded history.