Iola as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Iola

What is the meaning of the name Iola ?

The baby name Iola is a girl name 2 syllables long and is pronounced eye-OH-luh.

Iola is Greek in Origin.

Iola is a feminine name of Greek origin, meaning "violet-colored dawn". It is pronounced eye-OH-lah. The name was first used in the 19th century and gained popularity in the United States during the early 20th century. It is a relatively uncommon name, ranking outside of the top 1000 names for girls in the US.

The name Iola is composed of two Greek words: "io" meaning "violet" and "laos" meaning "people". In Greek mythology, Io was a priestess of Hera who was turned into a heifer by Zeus to protect her from Hera's wrath. The name Iola has been used in literature, including in the works of Edgar Allan Poe and James Joyce.

Iola is primarily used as a feminine name, although it has been used for boys in the past. Famous people with the name Iola include Iola Brubeck, an American musician and composer, and Iola Leroy, the title character of a novel by Frances Harper. Overall, Iola is a unique and meaningful name with a rich history and Greek roots.