Fiona

fee-OH-nah

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The name Fiona means “fair, white, beautiful.” It comes from the Scottish language tradition.

Fiona was coined by Scottish poet James Macpherson in the 18th century from the Gaelic word 'fionn' meaning 'fair' or 'white.' Despite its literary origins, it has become one of the most authentically Scottish names. The character Princess Fiona in 'Shrek' brought it to a global audience.

Wiktionary and Wikipedia agree Fiona comes from the Gaelic word for fair or white, though Wikipedia notes the separate Irish name Fiona means of wine, the genitive of fion. Neither source supports the claim that James Macpherson coined the name outright: Wiktionary records it in use before 1713, decades before his 18th-century Ossianic poems, and describes his role as popularizing rather than inventing it, alongside a possible later boost from William Sharp's pen name Fiona Macleod.

Wikipedia says the name was initially confined to Scotland before spreading to countries including Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Australia, Germany and Canada; Wiktionary separately notes the Shrek film series, in which Princess Fiona transforms from princess to ogre, as a later cultural touchpoint.

• Fiona Apple (American singer-songwriter)
• Fiona Shaw (Irish actress)
• Princess Fiona (character in Shrek)

Sibling names that share Fiona's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.