Jona Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Jona is a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'dove'. It evolved from the Hebrew 'Yonah' through Latin and Greek forms. The name is associated with peace and has biblical roots through the figure Jonah. It gained popularity in early Christian times and remains a gentle and modern name today, with positive connotations.
The name Jona is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Jona has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Jona' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5870th out of 7545 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6085th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7855th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6570th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5133rd out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5172nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2329th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2372nd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4167th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 7892nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 8813th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Jona' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Jona"
Pronunciation
/ˈjoʊ.nə/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Jona is derived from the Hebrew word 'yonah', which means 'dove'. In biblical texts, the dove is often a symbol of peace and the Holy Spirit.
Meaning
dove
Language Evolution
Yonah (Hebrew), Jona (Latinized form), Jonas (Latin and Greek), Jonah (English)
Biblical Background
Jona is a variant of Jonah, a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible known for being swallowed by a great fish.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in early Christian communities, particularly due to the biblical story of Jonah, and has remained in use in various forms throughout history.
Variants & Derivatives
Jonah, Jonas, Yona, Joni
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Jona is seen as a modern and gentle name, often associated with kindness and peace, and is used in various cultures.
Famous People
Jona Lendering, Dutch historian, Jona Weinhofen, Australian musician
📊 Jona Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Jona Name Visualizations
✨ Jona Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 57 peak births in 1964
Geographic Spread
Popular across 6 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Jona"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Jona"
"Jona" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5870th of 7545 | 17 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6085th of 10718 | 41 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 7855th of 16616 | 61 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6570th of 24088 | 174 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 5133rd of 23106 | 220 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 5172nd of 9204 | 49 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2329th of 12526 | 432 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2372nd of 19264 | 537 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 4167th of 27321 | 359 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 7892nd of 35406 | 224 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 8813th of 30306 | 144 |
Regional Popularity of "Jona" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
67.40% 5030th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
70.54% 4812th/6822 |
60.95% 3825th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Jona" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
89.99% 2004th/2227 |
- |
95.37% 2721st/2853 |
65.08% 1806th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
100.00% 3518th/3518 |
55.74% 2254th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
100.00% 5194th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
100.00% 4582nd/4582 |
- | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
100.00% 6822nd/6822 |
- |
State-by-State Popularity of "Jona"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Jona" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.