Fiona

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Fiona

Gender: Feminine
Language: English
Etymology:
Fiona is a modern, Anglicized form of Fíona (also Anglicized as Fina) an Irish Gaelic name (old form: Fíne) meaning “vine.” (This name is pronounced FEE-nah).
-or-
Fiona is a modern English name based on on the Gaelic name Fionn meaning “White,” or “Fair.” and the English and Latin “a” feminine ending.

Please note that these are two completely different names, sharing only a common language and spelling.

History:
Fiona (based on Fionn) was created in the 19th century as a pseudonym for romance author Fiona Macleod, who was actually a man named William Sharp (1855-1905).

In the late 20th century, it has begun to be bestowed as an actual name, and is growing in popularity. (This name is pronounced fee-OWE-nah).

Pronunciation: fee-nah, fee-own-ah.

Diminutives:
English: Fi, Fio.

Alternates: Fionna.

Famous Bearers:
Artists and Authors:
Fiona Macleod (William Sharp) (1855-1905)
Scottish author.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
0.003 % named Fiona

Popularity of Fiona:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-1990: N/A
1990: 909th most popular.
1991: 895th most popular.
1992: N/A
1993: 940th most popular.
1994: 909th most popular.
1995: 785th most popular.
1996: 605th most popular.
1997: 518th most popular.
1998: 527th most popular.
1999: 474th most popular.
2000: 458th most popular.
2001: 419th most popular.
2002: 346th most popular.
2003: 344th most popular.

In France...
1900-1980: N/A
1988: 181st most popular.
1990: 157th most popular.
2000: 127th most popular.

In Ireland...
1998: 51st most popular.
1999: 56th most popular.
2000: 69th most popular.
2001: 75th most popular.
2002: 64th most popular.
2003: 81st most popular.