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Noah

♂ Boy

Pronounced NOH-uh /ˈnoʊ.ə/High

Meaning: Rest; comfort; reposeHigh

In 30 seconds: A Hebrew biblical name meaning 'rest' and 'comfort.' Best known as the ark-builder of Genesis, Noah has topped U.S. boys' charts for over a decade.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningRest; comfort; repose
Peak year2015
Total births (all-time)≈ 375,210

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201518802017

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

History & Origin

Noah comes from the Hebrew Noach, derived from the root nuach meaning 'to rest' or 'to settle.' In the Hebrew Bible, Noah is the righteous man chosen by God to survive the great flood by building an ark, a story that appears in modified forms across many ancient Near Eastern cultures.

The name was used in Puritan communities who favored Old Testament names, but remained relatively uncommon through most of U.S. history. It climbed dramatically in the 1990s and 2000s, reaching #1 on the U.S. boys' chart in 2013 and holding or sharing that position for many years afterward.

Did you know? The Hebrew Noach (נֹחַ) is explained in Genesis 5:29 as meaning 'this one will comfort us,' a folk etymology connecting it to the root nacham (to comfort).

Variations

NoachNoeNoé

Nicknames

No

Famous Bearers

  • ★Noah Webster (1758–1843)
    American lexicographer who compiled the first major American English dictionary.
  • ★Noah Wyle (1971–)
    American actor known for the TV series ER.

If you like Noah…

Liam— fellow perennial #1 boys' name with crisp appeal
Elijah— shares the biblical Hebrew heritage and strong sound
Ezra— another short, modern-feeling Old Testament name
Asher— Hebrew biblical name with the same gentle strength
Oliver— equally popular two-syllable classic boys' name

Frequently Asked

What does the name Noah mean?

Noah comes from the Hebrew Noach, meaning 'rest' or 'comfort,' and is famously borne by the ark-builder in the Book of Genesis.

How do you pronounce Noah?

Noah is pronounced NOH-uh /ˈnoʊ.ə/ — two syllables, with stress on the first.

Is Noah a boy or girl name?

Noah is primarily a boy's name. A separate spelling, Noa, is used for girls in several countries.

How popular is Noah?

Noah first reached #1 on the U.S. boys' chart in 2013 and has remained among the top two boys' names ever since.