Jonah

♂ Boy

Pronounced JOH-nuh /ˈdʒoʊ.nə/High

Meaning: Dove — from Hebrew Yonah (dove)High

In 30 seconds: A gentle Hebrew name meaning 'dove,' the symbol of peace. The prophet Jonah's adventure in the belly of a great fish is one of the Bible's most vivid stories — and the name has been climbing the American charts for decades.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningDove — from Hebrew Yonah (dove)

Peak year2008

Total births (all-time)≈ 62,836

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Jonah derives from the Hebrew יוֹנָה (Yonah), meaning 'dove.' The Book of Jonah in the Hebrew Bible tells of the prophet who fled God's call, was swallowed by a great fish, and eventually fulfilled his mission in Nineveh.

Jonah has been rising in the United States since the late 20th century, entering the top 100 boys' names as parents sought gentle Biblical names. It now ranks in the top 50.

Did you know? The story of Jonah and the whale is shared across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam — the Quran includes Jonah as one of the prophets, calling him Yunus.

Variations

JonasYunus

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Jonah (Prophet) (dates uncertain)
Hebrew prophet in the Bible, famous for spending three days in the belly of a great fish before completing his mission to Nineveh.

If you like Jonah…

Noah— gentle Biblical nature-connected name with the same two-syllable simplicity

Eli— short Hebrew name with the same quiet Biblical depth and modern revival

Elijah— Old Testament prophet name with the same ancient spiritual resonance

Silas— New Testament name with the same understated, dignified Biblical character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jonah mean?

Jonah comes from the Hebrew Yonah, meaning 'dove' — the universal symbol of peace.

How do you pronounce Jonah?

It is said JOH-nuh /ˈdʒoʊ.nə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Jonah a boy or girl name?

Jonah is used almost exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Jonah?

Jonah has been climbing the U.S. charts and now ranks in the top 50 boys' names.