Yona

♂ Boy

Pronounced YOH-nah /ˈjoʊ.nɑ/High

Meaning: From Hebrew Yonah, 'dove' (the prophet Jonah); independently, Cherokee yona, 'bear'Medium

In 30 seconds: A dove of peace — or a Cherokee bear: Yona is Hebrew for 'dove' (the prophet Jonah) and, separately, Cherokee for 'bear'. Gentle or mighty, a name with two beautiful roots.

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Origin MediumHebrew, Cherokee

MeaningFrom Hebrew Yonah, 'dove' (the prophet Jonah); independently, Cherokee yona, 'bear'

U.S. rank (2025)#6131 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births15 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 482

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Yona comes from Hebrew Yonah, 'dove' — the prophet Jonah, swallowed by the great fish — a symbol of peace and the Holy Spirit. Independently, yona is the Cherokee word for 'bear'. The name carries dove-gentleness and bear-strength at once; this page covers its boys' use.

In the U.S. it appears in Jewish, Native American, and varied families. Rare, dove-or-bear at the root, and evocative.

Did you know? Yona means 'dove' in Hebrew — the bird of peace and Noah's messenger — while in Cherokee, 'yona' means 'bear', a powerful clan animal; one sound, two natural symbols.

Overall data confidence 75%

Behind the Name — Yonah — etymology

Variations

YonahJonahYonas

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Yona Wallach (1944-1985)
Israeli poet considered one of the most influential voices in modern Hebrew poetry

If you like Yona…

Jonah— the English form of the Hebrew root

Yonah— the fuller Hebrew spelling

Noam— a fellow gentle Hebrew name

Ezra— a companion short biblical name

Explore names like Yona

By themehebrew nature cherokee

By meaningBird Freedom

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Yona mean?

Yona is Hebrew for 'dove' (Jonah) and, separately, Cherokee for 'bear'.

How do you pronounce Yona?

It's said YOH-nah /ˈjoʊ.nɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Yona a boy or girl name?

Yona is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Yona?

Yona is a rare name in the U.S.