Iona

[yourbowloficecreamislookingatme]

We like Iona but neither of us are Scottish so we don't feel comfortable using it. Can you think of any similar names that might be more fitting for an English girl?

Others we like: Susannah, Helena, Diana, Lucy, Maria.

Any feedback on our list or suggestions welcome.

I knew a lovely young woman from Chile who was called Iona, I've thought it was a sweet name since just because I liked her.
And I wouldn't call a child Cohen because I think that is disrespectful. I think I'm right that it means priest and is an hereditary title?

It's a pretty name, but depends on your last name.

I don’t think an Iona has to be Scottish. I know two English Ionas which is probably informing my view though.

Ione is sonically similar. Frances, Cecilia, Georgina, Marina, Rosalind, Tess and Vita fit well with other names on your list. I love the name Diana.

Isla, derived from the Scottish island Islay (which is pronounced Isla), is one of the most popular names in England. I really wouldn't let your lack of Scottishness put you off using Iona (or any other Scottish name!). Iona is lovely. You might also like Ailsa.

Can I ask why you’d assume a Christian family? (Not being confrontational - I love the name Iona and am a Christian 😁 Just didn’t know the name had strong Christian connotation? If so that’s a positive for me and would put it higher on my baby name list!)

FWIW the Iona I know is British/South African.

How are you pronouncing it? In welsh it’s pronounced yonna which is how I would say it. Is it like eye onna?

Eye own a. The island.

Very strong Christian associations.

Iona had a huge influence on the establishment of Christianity in Scotland, England and throughout mainland Europe.
St Columbia built his first Celtic church and established a monastic community on the island. Iona became a place of pilgrimage.

Having said that I know several non-religious families (in Scotland) who have used the name.

@Friggingfrog , like 'I own a' Eye-ow-na.
I know lots of welsh Ionas all say it as Yonnah

Iona Abbey - Wikipedia

I love Iona and I don't think you need to be Scottish at all
I know a Seona in the SW

I think it's fine.
I also like Ione, which is greek in origin (I-own-ee).

Iona has a long and important history in the UK as a centre of Christianity, which long predates the existence of England and Scotland. I don’t think whether you are religious or not matters either, it’s part of British culture.

But if you are set against it the obvious alternative is Ione (Eye-oh-nee)

I like Diana, I also like Susannah but the possibility of Susie might put me off.

Claudia
Serena
Adela
Cassia
Carina
Yolanda
Marina
Cliona
Francesca
Joanna
Philippa
Sabrina
Saskia
Miranda
Celia

Stella
Hera
Aphra
Honor
Esther
Aster
Thora
Laura
Flora

Lois
Ines
Jocelyn
Merryn
Frances

Verity
Ianthe
Ismene
Meredith
Caroline
Marguerite
Marianne

Honestly, go for Iona. Beautiful name.
Lots of people choose Irish and French names like Niamh or Elise with no connection. Why not Scottish

Iona is pretty but as someone said above, you have to be careful if your surname could also be a noun, eg Iona Carr, Iona Bridge, Iona Castle etc...you get the idea!

I went to school with a girl called Iona. English family,Iona was a place of special significance for them, so that's why they gave her the name.

Love Helena

i'm louise. it's a french/german name depending on what google says that day. no german/french in my family at
all. no one was insulted when i visited those countries.
Go with Iona and while you're at it come to Scotland and see the beautiful
Isle of Iona for yourselves and u will know why it's a pretty name. beautiful place to be named after and no one will
take offence, promise.

Love love love Iona and definitely think you should still use it.

I liked Ffion but felt that was too distinctly Welsh for me to use.

alternative suggestions -

Iris
Skye
Ianthe
Imogen
Flora

It's fine and as you aren't Scottish your surnames unlikely to be McInstosh. Oh how she suffered.

My daughters name was going to be Iona

except I never had a daughter 🤦‍♀️😭

the ds came out ok and aren’t too bad aged 26 and 30
🤣🤣🤣

It's a new p&o cruise ship
It's the first thing that came to mind
I couldn't use it for that

Susannah - like, also like Susan but know too many Sues
Helena - prefer Helen
Diana - lovely, a friend's name
Lucy - like but so many L names popular (Lily, Luna., Lyra etc)
Maria - like, also like Mary

Iona needs the surname to be considered.

From your list, Diana stands out.

Use Iona if you like it.

Most of the names suggested on Mumsnet or actually given to babies now have origins outwith England and no-one cares. Go for it, it's a lovely name.