Scottish Gaelic girl name

Fiona Name Meaning, Origin & Pronunciation

Fiona means fair, white. From Gaelic fionn, meaning fair or white, popularised as a literary coinage

Fiona is based on fionn, the Gaelic word for fair or white, but as a given name it is a surprisingly recent invention. It was popularised in the late nineteenth century by the Scottish writer William Sharp, who used the pen name Fiona Macleod, and it may also have appeared earlier in the poems of James Macpherson. Despite this literary origin, it feels quintessentially Gaelic and has been widely used since the twentieth century, in Scotland, Ireland and elsewhere. It is melodic, easy to spell and pronounce, and a good option for parents drawn to classic Celtic names.

Variants of Fiona

FionnghualaFionnualaFi

Well-known people named Fiona

Fiona Shaw.

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Fiona mean?

Fiona means "fair, white". From Gaelic fionn, meaning fair or white, popularised as a literary coinage.

How do you pronounce Fiona?

Fiona is pronounced fee-OH-na.

What is the origin of Fiona?

Fiona is of Scottish Gaelic origin. From Gaelic fionn, meaning fair or white, popularised as a literary coinage.