We had been trying to be aware of potential Scotish girls names for a while when we had started watching A History Of Scotland on DVD. They had lots of traditional names like Euphemia and Grizel, but something rang a bell when they mentioned the Isle of Iona as a name option. Jason asked Kim "Iona wouldn't suck as a name, would it?" and she agreed. We kept it in mind, but no other names seemed to come up as options so it seemed to stick. We gathered feedback from family and friends, and received various responses. However, we liked the fact that it's a traditional Scotish name yet not a popular name today in the United States.
So a week before she was born Jason realized that Iona was a compound of iodine, oxygen, and sodium that could exist (NaIO3). There were keyrings about it, and a big MSDS style warning about Sodium Iodate as well a video. Who can say no to "Strong Oxidizer" and "heat and shock sensitive." And of course we observe the requirement for goggles, gloves and adequate ventilation, especially at diaper changing times.
While doing all this research Jason discovered the Iona Abbey and it's tie in to the Book of Kells. I thought the name "Iona Abigail" was a lot of fun, Kim agreed, and there you have it. You can learn more about the Abbey and the Isle of Iona at www.welcometoiona.com/places-of-interest/iona-abbey/ - yes, we are history/travel nerds :) Finally, Jason really likes the idea of his daughter being named after a nunnery, sets the tone for his expectations.
Iona Cemetery is the final resting place of over 48 Scottish, 8 Norwegian and 4 Irish kings including King MacBeth (which we hear the Port Huron Times Herald confirmed in their crossword puzzle)