Iola
Iola is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Violet or violet flower.
Origin and history
Iola is a female given name of Greek origin, traditionally understood to mean 'violet flower'. It gained moderate popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but has become relatively rare in modern usage. Today, it stands out as an vintage choice with soft vowel sounds.
Popularity in the United States
9,659 babies in the United States have been named Iola since 1880. It ranks #1685 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #2046.
States where it is most popular
- AL (8.2 %)
- NC (6.9 %)
- TX (6.3 %)
- MS (5.7 %)
- IL (5.6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 233 |
| 1890-1900 | 471 |
| 1900-1910 | 953 |
| 1910-1920 | 2,525 |
| 1920-1930 | 2,546 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,367 |
| 1940-1950 | 692 |
| 1950-1960 | 437 |
| 1960-1970 | 164 |
| 1970-1980 | 79 |
| 1980-1990 | 40 |
| 1990-2000 | 0 |
| 2000-2010 | 19 |
| 2010-2019 | 78 |
| 2020-2029 | 55 |
Famous people named Iola
- Iola Fuller: Author, Novelist
Fun facts
- The name derives from the Greek word for violet, sharing etymological roots with names like Iole and Ianthe.
- Iola reached its peak usage in the United States between the 1890s and the 1920s.