Iona Jones?

@Muddypup3 , @HotCrossBunplease was asking where their Welsh surname came from. Jones is from 'Siôn's son'.

Enter Jones in named - Map your surname across the UK and tell me it's not a Welsh surname.

@Jins , it's probably age-related. I can't think of one younger than about 55, and it was usually for girls born in January. I don't know an Eye-o-na.

It is the 2nd most common surname in the UK after Smith!

It is a lovely name but don't think it goes, maybe because of the O sound in both?

@NefiBlw has explained it better than I did. Yes, it’s two names with the same spelling.

I know lots of Iona’s. There were three in DS1s toddler group. All pronounced Yonna. I worked with one who lengthened the o slightly but kept the Y sound at the front (so it rhymed with loner) but I have never come across anyone using the Eye Owe Na pronunciation.

I find it interesting that other Welsh dwelling posters haven’t heard the Yonna pronunciation.

@Jins, It's not the same name, they're two different names that happen to have the same spelling.

@BananaBum , the name would have a Welsh surname. The name Iona has been popular in Wales, so someone might assume it was the Welsh Iona.
I appreciate that you are in Scotland, but to some of us, it looks like an ordinary Welsh name. Not that is an issue as long as you stay clear from us Welsh-speakers.

I think it's a lot of syllables for a short name, but if you like it go for it. It might sound less like 'I own a' in your accent. I am picturing a little girl with a vintage sewing machine

Yep I’d assume it was pronounced like the Scottish Island too. I must admit Iona being a Welsh name too was new to me (and I’ve lived in Wales most of my life). It must be a regional popularity thing as I’ve met several Ioan’s (male name pronounced “Yo-an”) but not a single Welsh Iona. I do live near the English border though which might make a difference.

I think it's lovely! It is rhymey but I like it a lot!

I live in Wales and have never come across anyone called Iona pronounced Yonna. I'm not sure I know anyone called Iona actually.

I have been to the isle of Iona in Scotland a few times though which is quite possibly one of the most beautiful places on earth and I always had a little thought that maybe I could call a little girl Iona one day, alas I had boys 😀

Fiona is also a nice suggestion but I guess still rhymes a bit, or maybe Leona?

@BananaBum i realise that. It’s clear that
most people would pronounce it the Scottish way so it’s the better choice for you in any case.

I was just musing on Welsh names in general I suppose. Iona is such a good example of a popular name pronounced differently in different parts of the UK.

@CeeJay81 i agree. Pronounced the Welsh way with the Welsh surname it sounds fine. I really like the name Iona in Welsh and it was on my list but I suspected it would be mispronounced and this thread proves it. Most Welsh names do get mispronounced. I thought Iona should be manageable but it doesn’t seem to even be recognised as a Welsh name.

Me too. That's why it sounds off.

When I saw the thread title, I thought you were going to be asking whether a name that's a homonym for 'I Own A Jones' was going to sound silly, so that was clearly my first reaction.

Depends if you like names that rhyme (double 'ohn' sound).

My DH likes this too and has suggested a few names that rhyme with our surname. I'm not keen but he thinks it sounds good.

It's just personal taste.

I think it goes well pronounced the Welsh way. I am a welsh Jones and it wouldn't surprise me if there is someone local with that name. My dd is Lydia Jones.

Iona Jones sounds fine to me ( I own a)
The only Yana I know is spelled Jana anyway

I do love Lorna Though

@BeaLola , the Ionas I know say it as Yonna. Welsh name not connected with the Scottish name.

To be it sounds like I own a Jones

If you like Lorna how about

Laura Jones
Louisa Jones
Fiona Jones

I think it works really well actually. I can definitely see a strong professional woman called Iona Jones

Luna, Nora, Nina, Amele, Nina, Anna, Lena, Imogen, Isla, Innes

Feels like too many vowels

I adore Lorna, to me it has wild, romantic Lorna Doone imagery rather than a more lonely vibe as such (although I do understand the auditory link with “forlorn”).

I also love pp suggestion of Ianthe - so pretty with lovely literary links, yet rarely used.

But I don’t see an issue with Iona Jones? Repeated sounds in names often make them more memorable - that’s why some Hollywood stars or comic superheroes had alliterative names for example. I’m not a huge fan of Iona but I actually like it with Jones! And with a commonplace surname, it might be nice to make it more memorable.

I like it!

I thought iona was Scottish?

I read it as I Oh Na.

I really love it.

No it doesn't work, I want to say "Iona Jonah"

I like it. Iona Carr wouldn't work