Jonah Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated June 7, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Jonah Name Meaning

Fact: The name Jonah has been used in literature and popular culture, including the novel “Moby-Dick.”

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A Deep Dive

Jonah Overview

Meaning

Dove

Gender

Boy

Origin

Hebrew

Etymology

Derived from the Hebrew name “Yonah,” meaning “dove.”

Pronunciation

/ˈdʒoʊ.nə/

Popularity

Jonah is a name that has seen steady popularity in many countries, especially in English-speaking regions. Recently, Jonah has ranked within the top 150 names for boys in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

5 letters

Numerology

3 (Expressive, Social, Artistic)

Name Styles

Religious and Spiritual, Short, Classic, Cool

Associated Traits

Compassionate, wise, resilient, creative

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Jonah is a significant biblical prophet known for being swallowed by a great fish or whale, symbolizing repentance and forgiveness in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Name Day

September 21st
A Deep Dive

Jonah Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Jonas, Yonah, Yunus, Younes, Ionas, Giona, Jonás, Jónas, Joona, Joonas

Common Nicknames

Joni, Jonny, Nono, Jona, Jonty

Diminutives

Joe, Jo, Jon, Jono, Jay

Famous People

  • Jonah Hill
    (American Actor)
  • Jonah Lomu
    (New Zealand Rugby Player)
  • Jonah Lehrer
    (American Author)
  • Jonah Peretti
    (American Entrepreneur)
  • Jonah Bokaer
    (American Choreographer)
  • Jonah Goldberg
    (American Journalist)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Jonah Hex
    ("Jonah Hex," Film)
  • Jonah Ryan
    ("Veep," TV Series)
  • "Jonah and the Whale"
    (Biblical Story)
  • Jonah Hill
    ("Superbad," Film)
  • Jonah Byrde
    ("Ozark," TV Series)
  • Jonah
    ("The Giver," Film)
  • Jonah Takalua
    ("Summer Heights High," TV Series)

Places

  • Jonah Community
    (Texas, USA)
  • Jonah Bay
    (Tasmania, Australia)

What Is the Meaning of Jonah?

Jonah means “dove” or “peaceful being.” Those named Jonah are often associated with a calm and gentle demeanor, embodying tranquility and compassion.

What Is the Origin of The Name Jonah?

The name Jonah has Hebrew origins, derived from the Hebrew word “Yonah,” which translates to “dove.” Historically, Jonah is a significant biblical figure, known for the story of Jonah and the Whale in the Old Testament, symbolizing themes of repentance and mercy.

Jonah Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Jonah in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#1382021#1352022#1242023
Top 3 Rankings#1242023#1282012#1282020

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Jonah

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023124
(+11 from 2022)
2874
(+128 from 2022)
0.15695
2022135
(+3 from 2021)
2746
(+13 from 2021)
0.14661
2021138
(-10 from 2020)
2733
(-85 from 2020)
0.14587
2020128
(+12 from 2019)
2818
(+129 from 2019)
0.15235
2019140
(+5 from 2018)
2689
(-34 from 2018)
0.13992
2018145
(+9 from 2017)
2723
(+201 from 2017)
0.14009
2017154
(-4 from 2016)
2522
(-255 from 2016)
0.12743
2016150
(-7 from 2015)
2777
(-136 from 2015)
0.13709
2015143
(-5 from 2014)
2913
(-5 from 2014)
0.14248
2014138
(-6 from 2013)
2918
(+16 from 2013)
0.14240
2013132
(-4 from 2012)
2902
(-52 from 2012)
0.14361
2012128
(+15 from 2011)
2954
(+87 from 2011)
0.14558
2011143
No change from 2010
2867
(+93 from 2010)
0.14113
2010143
(+4 from 2009)
2774
(+56 from 2009)
0.13503
2009147
(-11 from 2008)
2718
(-263 from 2008)
0.12815
2008136
(+29 from 2007)
2981
(+471 from 2007)
0.13672
2007165
(+5 from 2006)
2510
(+100 from 2006)
0.11331
2006170
(+14 from 2005)
2410
(+188 from 2005)
0.10993
2005184
(-7 from 2004)
2222
(-74 from 2004)
0.10445
2004177
(-13 from 2003)
2296
(-135 from 2003)
0.10864
2003164
(+3 from 2002)
2431
(+119 from 2002)
0.11570
2002167
(+20 from 2001)
2312
(+330 from 2001)
0.11187
2001187
(+5 from 2000)
1982
(+149 from 2000)
0.09582
2000192
(+5 from 1999)
1833
(+123 from 1999)
0.08777
1999197
(+22 from 1998)
1710
(+245 from 1998)
0.08386
1998219
(-23 from 1997)
1465
(-156 from 1997)
0.07225
1997196
(+1 from 1996)
1621
(+52 from 1996)
0.08114
1996197
(+18 from 1995)
1569
(+198 from 1995)
0.07830
1995215
(+30 from 1994)
1371
(+192 from 1994)
0.06816
1994245
(+224 from 1993)
1179
(+730 from 1993)
0.05784
1993469
(+223 from 1992)
449
(+225 from 1992)
0.02174
1992692
(-43 from 1991)
224
(-22 from 1991)
0.01067
1991649
(+3 from 1990)
246
(+7 from 1990)
0.01161
1990652
(-39 from 1989)
239
(-21 from 1989)
0.01111
1989613
(-10 from 1988)
260
(+17 from 1988)
0.01240
1988603
(-75 from 1987)
243
(-47 from 1987)
0.01214
1987528
(+52 from 1986)
290
(+55 from 1986)
0.01487
1986580
(-49 from 1985)
235
(-33 from 1985)
0.01223
1985531
(-11 from 1984)
268
(-1 from 1984)
0.01393
1984520
(-2 from 1983)
269
(+9 from 1983)
0.01433
1983518
(-17 from 1982)
260
(-27 from 1982)
0.01395
1982501
(-77 from 1981)
287
(-98 from 1981)
0.01521
1981424
(-13 from 1980)
385
(-9 from 1980)
0.02067
1980411
(-8 from 1979)
394
(+4 from 1979)
0.02124
1979403
(+243 from 1978)
390
(+222 from 1978)
0.02177
1978646
(-90 from 1977)
168
(-58 from 1977)
0.00983
1977556
(+40 from 1976)
226
(+41 from 1976)
0.01322
1976596
(+123 from 1975)
185
(+53 from 1975)
0.01133
1975719
(-64 from 1974)
132
(-19 from 1974)
0.00814
1974655
(+49 from 1973)
151
(+21 from 1973)
0.00926
1973704
(-65 from 1972)
130
(-24 from 1972)
0.00806
1972639
(+9 from 1971)
154
(-7 from 1971)
0.00920
1971648
(+310 from 1970)
161
(+91 from 1970)
0.00886
1970958
(+228 from 1969)
70
(+26 from 1969)
0.00367
19691186
(+32 from 1968)
44
(+5 from 1968)
0.00241
19681218
(+170 from 1967)
39
(+9 from 1967)
0.00220
19671388
(+335 from 1966)
30
(+10 from 1966)
0.00169
19661723
(-388 from 1965)
20
(-13 from 1965)
0.00110
19651335
(+73 from 1964)
33
(+2 from 1964)
0.00174
19641408
(+177 from 1963)
31
(+6 from 1963)
0.00153
19631585
(-219 from 1962)
25
(-8 from 1962)
0.00121
19621366
(+412 from 1961)
33
(+12 from 1961)
0.00157
19611778
(-255 from 1960)
21
(-7 from 1960)
0.00097
19601523
(+185 from 1959)
28
(+6 from 1959)
0.00129
19591708
(-116 from 1958)
22
(-2 from 1958)
0.00102
19581592
(-104 from 1957)
24
(-4 from 1957)
0.00111
19571488
(-126 from 1956)
28
(-4 from 1956)
0.00128
19561362
(-225 from 1955)
32
(-11 from 1955)
0.00149
19551137
(+567 from 1954)
43
(+23 from 1954)
0.00206
19541704
(-373 from 1953)
20
(-12 from 1953)
0.00097
19531331
(-135 from 1952)
32
(-6 from 1952)
0.00160
19521196
(+22 from 1951)
38
(+2 from 1951)
0.00193
19511218
(+354 from 1950)
36
(+14 from 1950)
0.00188
19501572
(+249 from 1949)
22
(+5 from 1949)
0.00121
19491821
(-391 from 1948)
17
(-9 from 1948)
0.00094
19481430
(+303 from 1947)
26
(+7 from 1947)
0.00146
19471733
(-351 from 1946)
19
(-7 from 1946)
0.00102
19461382
(-178 from 1945)
26
(-4 from 1945)
0.00158
19451204
(+321 from 1944)
30
(+10 from 1944)
0.00219
19441525
(-285 from 1943)
20
(-11 from 1943)
0.00144
19431240
(+141 from 1942)
31
(+6 from 1942)
0.00213
19421381
(-81 from 1941)
25
(-1 from 1941)
0.00178
19411300
(-49 from 1940)
26
(-3 from 1940)
0.00207
19401251
(-82 from 1939)
29
(-2 from 1939)
0.00244
19391169
(+444 from 1938)
31
(+13 from 1938)
0.00274
19381613
(-241 from 1937)
18
(-6 from 1937)
0.00158
19371372
(-230 from 1936)
24
(-9 from 1936)
0.00219
19361142
(+153 from 1935)
33
(+6 from 1935)
0.00310
19351295
(-203 from 1934)
27
(-9 from 1934)
0.00252
19341092
(+269 from 1933)
36
(+12 from 1933)
0.00339
19331361
(+104 from 1932)
24
(+1 from 1932)
0.00235
19321465
(+305 from 1931)
23
(+6 from 1931)
0.00214
19311770
(-77 from 1930)
17
(-2 from 1930)
0.00159
19301693
(-315 from 1929)
19
(-8 from 1929)
0.00168
19291378
(-54 from 1928)
27
(-3 from 1928)
0.00244
19281324
(+48 from 1927)
30
(+1 from 1927)
0.00263
19271372
(+289 from 1926)
29
(+8 from 1926)
0.00250
19261661
(-415 from 1925)
21
(-12 from 1925)
0.00183
19251246
(+17 from 1924)
33
No change from 1924
0.00287
19241263
(+12 from 1923)
33
(+1 from 1923)
0.00282
19231275
(-217 from 1922)
32
(-12 from 1922)
0.00283
19221058
(+209 from 1921)
44
(+11 from 1921)
0.00391
19211267
(-263 from 1920)
33
(-14 from 1920)
0.00290
19201004
(+445 from 1919)
47
(+22 from 1919)
0.00427
19191449
(-193 from 1918)
25
(-6 from 1918)
0.00246
19181256
(+140 from 1917)
31
(+6 from 1917)
0.00296
19171396
(-239 from 1916)
25
(-7 from 1916)
0.00261
19161157
(-33 from 1915)
32
(-1 from 1915)
0.00347
19151124
(+264 from 1914)
33
(+14 from 1914)
0.00375
19141388
(-183 from 1913)
19
(+1 from 1913)
0.00278
19131205
(+18 from 1912)
18
(+3 from 1912)
0.00336
19121223
(-464 from 1911)
15
(-3 from 1911)
0.00332
1911759
(+662 from 1910)
18
(+12 from 1910)
0.00746
19101421
(+19 from 1909)
6
(+1 from 1909)
0.00288
19091440
(-808 from 1908)
5
(-12 from 1908)
0.00283
1908632
(+234 from 1907)
17
(+7 from 1907)
0.01022
1907866
(+387 from 1906)
10
(+5 from 1906)
0.00631
19061253
(-251 from 1905)
5
(-2 from 1905)
0.00347
19051002
(+203 from 1904)
7
(+2 from 1904)
0.00489
19041205
(-75 from 1903)
5
No change from 1903
0.00361
19031130
(-117 from 1902)
5
(-1 from 1902)
0.00387
19021013
(-228 from 1900)
6
(-5 from 1900)
0.00452
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
1900785
(+72 from 1899)
11
(+4 from 1899)
0.00678
1899857
(-53 from 1898)
7
(-1 from 1898)
0.00608
1898804
(+138 from 1897)
8
(+2 from 1897)
0.00606
1897942
(+159 from 1896)
6
(+1 from 1896)
0.00492
18961101
(-229 from 1895)
5
(-2 from 1895)
0.00387
1895872
(-36 from 1893)
7
No change from 1893
0.00553
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
1893836
(-44 from 1892)
7
(-1 from 1892)
0.00578
1892792
(-92 from 1891)
8
No change from 1891
0.00609
1891700
(-33 from 1890)
8
(-1 from 1890)
0.00732
1890667
(+122 from 1889)
9
(+2 from 1889)
0.00752
1889789
(+128 from 1888)
7
(+1 from 1888)
0.00588
1888917
(-373 from 1887)
6
(-5 from 1887)
0.00462
1887544
(-82 from 1885)
11
(-5 from 1885)
0.01006
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
1885462
(+108 from 1884)
16
(+5 from 1884)
0.01380
1884570
(+27 from 1883)
11
(+1 from 1883)
0.00896
1883597
(+346 from 1882)
10
(+5 from 1882)
0.00889
1882943
(-77 from 1881)
5
No change from 1881
0.00410
1881866
(-184 from 1880)
5
(-3 from 1880)
0.00462
1880682
First SSA data recorded
8
First SSA data recorded
0.00676

American States Popularity Rankings for Jonah

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#1572021#1532022#1262023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#1592021#1412022#1322023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#1102021#1362022#932023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#1332021#1412022#1092023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#1162021#1132022#932023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#1172021#1502022#1182023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#1412021#1382022#1812023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#1392021#952022#882023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#1122021#1372022#1222023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#1672021#1312022#1402023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#1452021#1272022#1182023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#1252021#1212022#1292023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#1572021#1672022#1152023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#1162021#1362022#1462023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#1262021#1092022#1242023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#1772021#1372022#1492023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#1232021#1252022#1182023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#1512021#1332022#1592023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#1812021#1592022#1252023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#1612021#1802022#1822023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#1732021#1342022#1622023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#1202021#1222022#1062023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#1612021#1392022#1042023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#1312021#1472022#1102023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#1342021#1572022#1562023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#1572021#1602022#1082023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#1342021#1922022#1752023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#1172021#1272022#2322023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#1282021#1262022#1402023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#1842021#1322022#1672023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#1582021#1112022#1962023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#1452021#1362022#1212023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#1392021#1552022#652023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#1252021#1202022#1402023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#1542021#1612022#1452023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#1472021#1502022#2052023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#1972021#1622022#1412023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#1472021#982022#772023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#1962021#1922022#2992023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#1212021#1492022#1602023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1982021#802022#1252023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#1092021#1032022#762023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1522020#1372021#802023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1202021#2242022#1332023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#1112019#1712021#1852022

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#592020#982022#1622023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#2122020#692022#1312023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1542020#1192021#1842022

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1662021#2262022#1452023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#862020#1022021#1132023

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#1202015#1142021#1152022

Popularity Rankings for Jonah in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#232021#312022#442023

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#292021#232022#262023

Popularity in Other American Territories

American Samoa flag American Samoa
Guam flag Guam
Northern Mariana Islands flag Northern Mariana Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands flag U.S. Virgin Islands

Other American Territories flagOther American Territories#592000#782008#672012

Popularity in Austria

Austria flagAustria#1272020#1092021#912022

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#1352021#1782022#1752023

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#2982020#1922021#1352022

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#1442019#1472020#1362021

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#1722021#1382022#1742023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#1482021#1922022#1772023

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#2652021#2442022#2072023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#3862020#3772021#2572022

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#3152021#2912022#3572023

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#3892022#3602023

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Jonah a Name for Boys or Girls?

Jonah is mainly given to boys, resonating with its biblical roots and the story of the prophet Jonah. This long-standing tradition has made Jonah a favorite for boys over generations.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Jonah

Jonah in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Jonah Hill (Actor, born 1983): An American actor known for his comedic roles in films like "Superbad" and "21 Jump Street."
  • Jonah Lomu (Rugby Player, 1975–2015): A New Zealand rugby player renowned for his powerful performances and significant impact on the sport.
  • Jonah Lehrer (Author, born 1981): An American author and journalist known for his works on science and psychology.
  • Jonah Peretti (Entrepreneur, born 1974): An American entrepreneur and co-founder of BuzzFeed and The Huffington Post.
  • Jonah Bokaer (Choreographer, born 1981): An American choreographer and media artist recognized for his innovative approach to dance and performance.
  • Jonah Goldberg (Journalist, born 1969): An American conservative columnist and author known for his work with National Review and other publications.
  • Jonah Jones (Jazz Trumpeter, 1909–2000): An American jazz trumpeter celebrated for his lively performances and recordings.
  • Jonah Falcon (Actor, born 1970): An American actor and television personality known for his work in the entertainment industry.
  • Jonah Hex ("Jonah Hex," 2010 Film): A bounty hunter with a scarred face who seeks revenge while battling supernatural threats.
  • Jonah Ryan ("Veep," 2012 TV Series): An ambitious and often obnoxious political aide who rises through the ranks of Washington D.C.
  • "Jonah and the Whale" (Biblical Story): A story about the prophet Jonah who is swallowed by a giant fish after trying to avoid God's command.
  • Jonah Hill ("Superbad," 2007 Film): An actor known for his comedic roles in various films, including "Superbad" where he plays a high school senior.
  • Jonah Byrde ("Ozark," 2017 TV Series): The son of Marty and Wendy Byrde, who becomes increasingly involved in the family's criminal activities.
  • Jonah ("The Giver," 2014 Film): A young boy chosen to inherit the position of Receiver of Memory in a dystopian society.
  • Jonah Takalua ("Summer Heights High," 2007 TV Series): A rebellious Tongan teenager struggling to fit in at his Australian high school.
  • Jonah ("The Fosters," 2013 TV Series): A character involved in the family dynamics and dramas of the Foster family.
  • Jonah Simms ("Superstore," 2015 TV Series): A bright-eyed, idealistic employee at the Cloud 9 superstore.
  • Jonah ("Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie," 2002 Film): An animated retelling of the Biblical story featuring vegetable characters.
  • Jonah Community (Texas, USA): A small community in Williamson County known for its agricultural roots and close-knit community.
  • Jonah Bay (Tasmania, Australia): A bay in Tasmania known for its picturesque views and marine life.

Similar Names to Jonah

Sibling Names for Jonah