Jonah
Jonah first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 2008, when 2,981 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 2,828.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Jonah popular?
Steady Jonah has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 2008.
| 2020s | 16,935 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 28,053 | |
| 2000s | 23,697 | |
| 1990s | 10,073 | |
| 1980s | 2,889 | |
| 1970s | 1,767 | |
| 1960s | 304 | |
| 1950s | 298 | |
| 1940s | 249 | |
| 1930s | 252 | |
| 1920s | 329 | |
| 1910s | 222 | |
| 1900s | 71 | |
| 1890s | 65 | |
| 1880s | 79 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Jonah mean?
From Hebrew yonah, 'dove.' The reluctant prophet of the Book of Jonah. A plain concrete noun with no theophoric element; the dove's later peace symbolism is cultural, not part of the etymology.
Names like Jonah
hebrew names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Jonah
Popular hebrew names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Jonah
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Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jonah mean?
Jonah means dove. From Hebrew yonah, 'dove.' The reluctant prophet of the Book of Jonah. A plain concrete noun with no theophoric element; the dove's later peace symbolism is cultural, not part of the etymology.
What is the origin of the name Jonah?
Jonah is of hebrew origin.
How do you pronounce Jonah?
Jonah is pronounced “JOH-nah.”
Is Jonah a boy or a girl name?
Jonah is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Jonah a popular name right now?
Jonah has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 2008.
How popular is the name Jonah?
In 2025, Jonah ranked #128 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Jonah most popular?
Jonah was most popular in 2008, when about 2,981 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Jonah?
Names similar to Jonah include Malachi, Abel, Jude, Abraham, Adriel.
What names go well with Jonah?
hebrew names that pair well with Jonah include James, Michael, John, David, Mary.