Noah

♀ Girl

Noah Pronunciation

Noah is pronounced NOH-uh /ˈnoʊ.ə/High

Meaning: Rest, repose, or comfort; from Hebrew NoachHigh

In 30 seconds: A Hebrew name meaning 'rest' or 'comfort,' overwhelmingly known as the male biblical patriarch. Its appearance in girls' data reflects both the unisex name trend and a separate Hebrew feminine name Noa (Numbers 27:1) that shares the same spelling in English.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningRest, repose, or comfort; from Hebrew Noach

U.S. rank (2025)#624 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births468 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 5,015

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

The masculine name Noah comes from Hebrew Noach, meaning 'rest' or 'repose,' borne by the patriarch who built the ark in the book of Genesis. The feminine biblical name Noa (daughter of Zelophehad, Numbers 27:1) has the same English spelling but a distinct Hebrew form, meaning 'motion' or 'wandering.'

Noah has dominated U.S. boys' charts — reaching #1 repeatedly since 2013 — which has led to cross-sex borrowing for girls, a common pattern with top-ranked boy names. Some parents using it for daughters may be drawing on the biblical Noa rather than the masculine Noach. In 2024 it appeared in girls' data at rank #561.

Did you know? In the Hebrew Bible, there are actually two distinct names rendered as Noah in English: the male patriarch (Noach) and the daughter of Zelophehad (Noa, Numbers 27:1) — a warrior for women's inheritance rights.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Noah — etymology and distinction from NoaU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Noa

Nicknames

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Themes & Styles

Hebrew Biblical Unisex Crossover

Famous Bearers

★Noah (biblical)
Patriarch in the Hebrew Bible and Quran, said to have built an ark to survive a great flood. A central figure in the Abrahamic traditions.

If you like Noah…

Noa— the feminine biblical form sharing Noah's sound

Nova— bright two-syllable name with a similar vowel-open feel

Norah— vintage N-name with a soft, rounded character

Lyra— two-syllable name ending in -a, equally airy and mythological

Cora— short vintage name with the same quiet strength

→ See all names like Noah

Browse the whole category: All Hebrew names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Noah?

Noah is pronounced NOH-uh (/ˈnoʊ.ə/). Press play above to hear Noah said aloud.

How do you say Noah?

Noah is said NOH-uh (/ˈnoʊ.ə/). Press play above to hear Noah said aloud.

What does the name Noah mean?

Noah means 'rest' or 'comfort' in Hebrew (from Noach). There is also a separate biblical feminine name Noa meaning 'motion,' which shares the same English spelling.

Is Noah a boy or girl name?

Noah is primarily a boys' name in the U.S. but appears in girls' data as a crossover, partly via the biblical feminine Noa.

How popular is Noah?

Noah ranked #561 in U.S. girls' data in 2024; it has ranked #1 for boys multiple years running.