Riona
Girl name · 25 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Riona: 25 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 5 births in 2002.
Ríona (often anglicised as Riona) is a beautifully lyrical Scottish and Irish Gaelic name, derived from *ríoghan*, meaning "little queen" or "queenly". It is essentially a feminine form of *rí* (king), carrying a sense of quiet dignity rather than grandeur. Among notable bearers is Irish singer Ríona Sally Hartman, known for her work with the folk group Kíla, while the name also appears in Scottish history as a diminutive of the medieval name Ríonach. No major places share its root directly, but it echoes the regal resonance of names like Regina. Though sometimes confused with the Welsh Rhiannon, Riona remains firmly Gaelic in origin, enjoying steady, if modest, popularity in Scotland as a graceful alternative to more common royal names.
Girl 6 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 20025 babies
- Latest (2004)
- #5554 babies
- Total births
- 25since 1991
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y