"The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed... which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs."
Biblical Name · Scottish/Hebrew Origin
Iona Meaning in the Bible
Iona
girl
Iona means "Island; Dove; Blessed", a girl's name of Scottish/Hebrew origin. Iona appears in the King James Bible, and Matthew 13:31-32 is the passage most often tied to it. Iona shows that the smallest islands of faithfulness can become launching pads for movements that change the world.
Is Iona in the Bible?
Yes — Iona (spelled Jonah in the King James Bible) appears in the King James Bible; the passages below give the context.
Pronunciation:/eye-OH-nuh/
OriginScottish/Hebrew
MeaningIsland; Dove; Blessed
What does Iona mean?
Iona is a girl name of Scottish/Hebrew origin meaning "Island; Dove; Blessed". Iona is the Scottish island where St. Columba established his famous monastery in 563 AD, making it a center of Celtic Christianity that sent missionaries throughout Europe.
Which Bible Character Are You?
Take this free Bible personality quiz to discover which Bible character you are most like. 10 questions, instant result with a King James verse.
One of 36 free KJV quizzes — see them all.
What does Iona mean in the Bible?
Iona means "Island; Dove; Blessed" and is a name of Scottish/Hebrew origin. Below is what Scripture and Christian tradition attach to that meaning.
Iona is the Scottish island where St. Columba established his famous monastery in 563 AD, making it a center of Celtic Christianity that sent missionaries throughout Europe. From this tiny island, the gospel spread to nations — proving God uses small beginnings for massive impact.
Where does Iona appear in the Bible (KJV)?
Iona is connected to 1 key passage in the King James Bible, beginning with Matthew 13:31-32. Each verse is quoted in full below.
Take the KJV Bible with You
Download the complete King James Bible as a free PDF — all 66 books, 1,189 chapters, ready to read offline or print. No sign-up required.
Which books of the Bible mention Iona?
Iona is mentioned across 1 book of the Bible. Follow any book below to read it in the KJV.
What is the spiritual meaning of Iona?
Iona shows that the smallest islands of faithfulness can become launching pads for movements that change the world.
Related Promises of God
Promises connected to the meaning of the name Iona:
God Promises to Be Faithful
Bible promises about God's unwavering faithfulness in every situation.
God Promises Contentment Through Him
Bible promises about finding true satisfaction and contentment in God.
God Promises to Answer Prayer
Bible promises that God hears and answers the prayers of His people.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Verses About
Bible Verses About Missionary Work
10 curated KJV verses
Devotional
Hebrews 11:1 — Meaning & Devotional
Faith
Commentary
Hebrews 12:1-2 Commentary
In-depth study • Perseverance & Faith
Commentary
Hebrews 11:6 Commentary
In-depth study • Faith Pleases God
Prayer
Prayer for Missionaries
Covering those who carry the Gospel to the nations.
Bible Quiz
St. Patrick's Day Bible Quiz — Missionary Zeal
The gospel reaches the ends of the earth — from Patrick to the Great Commission.
Names like Iona
Other Scottish/Hebrew biblical names that share the spirit of "Island; Dove; Blessed" — discovered by matching meaning category and origin.
Names that pair well with Iona
Sibling sets, middle-name combinations, and complementary pairings chosen for matching origin, meaning, and similar syllable weight.
Share the meaning of Iona
Download a printable name card with the KJV verse and meaning — perfect for Pinterest, Instagram, or a baptism keepsake.
Iona name meaning: frequently asked questions
Yes — Iona (spelled Jonah in the King James Bible) appears in the King James Bible; the passages below give the context.
Iona means "Island; Dove; Blessed." It is a Scottish/Hebrew name. The King James Bible uses it, so the meaning is carried by a real person in Scripture.
Scottish/Hebrew. Iona comes into English from Scottish/Hebrew and carries the sense "Island; Dove; Blessed." It appears in the King James Bible.
Common questions about the name Iona
Can I download a free King James Bible PDF to study the name Iona?
Yes. The complete King James Bible is available as a free PDF download — all 66 books, 1,189 chapters, ready to read offline or print. No sign-up required.
Where can I read the full biblical context for Iona?
You can read every verse where Iona appears in the King James Bible by downloading the free KJV PDF or reading online. The download page also includes a bookmarked Book of Psalms KJV PDF for easy reference.