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boy name · Hebrew origin

Jonah

/ JOH-nuh /
Boy Hebrew 2 syllables
Meaning
Jonah means Dove (Hebrew).
Gender
Boy
Origin
Hebrew
Pronunciation
JOH-nuh
Popularity
#128 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Jonah in the US, 1880–2025
18801900192019401960198020002020

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.

US babies given the name Jonah, by decade
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?

Jonah is a Hebrew name meaning “dove.” Jonah is swallowed by a great fish in the Bible.

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.

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Jonah mean?

Jonah means Dove. Jonah is a Hebrew name meaning “dove.” Jonah is swallowed by a great fish in the Bible.

What is the origin of the name Jonah?

Jonah is of Hebrew origin.

How do you pronounce Jonah?

Jonah is pronounced “JOH-nuh.”

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.