Jonah Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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Summary

The name Jonah has Hebrew origins, meaning 'dove.' It evolved through historical forms such as Yonah in Hebrew and Ionas in Greek. The biblical figure associated with the name is known for his flight from divine duty, adding depth to its meaning. The name has been popular in various cultures, particularly within Christianity. It is perceived positively in modern society, often linked with faith and endurance, and has notable bearers in contemporary culture.

The name Jonah is most popular in Hawaii, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest 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, Jonah has been too falling for male in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Jonah' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1216th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1341st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1487th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 683rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 415th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 170th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 140th out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 12526th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 11760th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8985th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6343rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5243rd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Jonah' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Etymology & Cultural Background of "Jonah"

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Pronunciation

/ˈdʒoʊ.nə/

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Origin

Hebrew

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Etymology

The name Jonah is derived from the Hebrew name 'Yonah' (יוֹנָה), which means 'dove.' It is associated with the biblical figure who was swallowed by a great fish.

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Meaning

dove

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Language Evolution

Yonah (Hebrew), Ionas (Greek), Jonas (Latin), Jonah (English)

Biblical Background

The name Jonah is prominently featured in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Jonah, where he is a prophet known for his attempt to flee from God's command.

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Historical Usage

The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Protestant Reformation, influenced by biblical translations and the resurgence of interest in biblical names.

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Variants & Derivatives

Jonas, Jona, Jon, Jo, Yoni

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Modern Popularity & Image

In contemporary times, Jonah is often viewed as a classic name with strong biblical connections. It conveys qualities of resilience and faith.

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Famous People

Jonah Hill (actor), Jonah Lomu (rugby player), Jonah Lehrer (author)

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Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Jonah"

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 "Jonah"

"Jonah" Popularity Across American Generations

Generation Gender Rank Total Names
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) Boy 1216th of 7545 554
Silent Generation (1928-1945) Boy 1341st of 6773 470
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Boy 1487th of 7552 524
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Boy 683rd of 10718 2,327
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Boy 415th of 16616 7,774
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Boy 170th of 24088 37,089
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Boy 140th of 23106 33,531
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Girl 12526th of 12526 5
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Girl 11760th of 19264 30
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Girl 8985th of 27321 115
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Girl 6343rd of 35406 302
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Girl 5243rd of 30306 300

Regional Popularity of "Jonah" by Generation for Male Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - 42.27%
1000th/2366
-
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- 71.21%
1108th/1556
59.37%
1397th/2353
-
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- 47.98%
1166th/2430
56.36%
1608th/2853
-
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
22.74%
668th/2937
17.11%
596th/3483
22.40%
788th/3518
14.22%
575th/4044
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
9.82%
362nd/3685
8.63%
386th/4475
9.30%
483rd/5194
6.02%
380th/6317
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
3.32%
152nd/4582
2.92%
151st/5164
2.46%
180th/7313
2.36%
176th/7463
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
3.39%
135th/3984
2.94%
132nd/4487
2.05%
140th/6822
2.41%
151st/6276

Regional Popularity of "Jonah" by Generation for Female 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)
- - - 100.00%
6317th/6317
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
- - 94.65%
6922nd/7313
81.68%
6096th/7463
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
- - 79.40%
5417th/6822
94.39%
5924th/6276

State-by-State Popularity of "Jonah"

This map shows the relative popularity of "Jonah" 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.