Fionna

Meaning & origin

Fionna, a variant spelling of the more common Fiona, has seen modest use in the United States since its first recorded appearance in 1971. Its popularity peaked in 2012, and it has been on a downward trajectory since 2013. As of 2025, the name ranks 13,208th, meaning about 1 in every 267,878 births receives the name Fionna. While not among the top baby names, it maintains a steady presence, particularly among families seeking a distinctly Irish or Scottish heritage name with a modern twist. The name's association with the Irish legend of Fionn mac Cumhaill and its literary connections through the works of James Macpherson give it a sense of ancient storytelling, while the altered spelling sets it apart from the more familiar Fiona.

Fionna is a modern spelling variant of Fiona, itself an Anglicized form of the Irish name Fíona, derived from fíon meaning 'wine.' More commonly, Fiona is associated with the Irish element fionn, meaning 'fair' or 'white,' and has been used as a feminine form of Fionn. The name gained wider usage after its appearance in the Ossianic poems of James Macpherson in the 18th century.