Jonah

“דּוֹרִיָּה” — Symbolizes renewal and

Hebrew origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#124US 2023

2.9kBirths / yr

↑Rising

71.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 196400

How to pronounce Jonah

JOH·nuh

/ˈdʒoʊ.nə/ · stress on JOH · 2 syllables

“דּוֹרִיָּה”

Symbolizes renewal and · Hebrew origin

What does Jonah mean and where does it come from?

Jonah, traditionally a biblical name for males, has gained traction as a unisex name, especially in contemporary contexts regarding gender-inclusive naming practices. The original Hebrew spelling is יונה. In the Bible, Jonah is known for being swallowed by a large fish, which symbolizes renewal and

Cultural significance

Jonah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of דּוֹרִיָּה.

Peak popularity

Reached #3973 in 2018 — currently #124 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Jonah?

Jonah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Jonah Grace

How popular is Jonah right now?

Rising — up 11 spots — currently #124 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#124 · Top 0.09%

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#124	2,895	▲ up 11 · +5% births
2022	#135	2,749	▲ up 3 · +1% births
2021	#138	2,735	▲ up 5312 · +12332% births
2020	#5450	22	▲ up 2 · -8% births
2015	#5452	24	▲ up 323 · +4% births
2010	#5775	23	▲ up 1048 · +35% births
2005	#6823	17	▼ down 876 · -6% births
2000	#5947	18	▲ up 1114 · +50% births
1995	#7061	12	▲ up 3166 · +71% births
1990	#10227	7	▼ down 3251 · -22% births
1985	#6976	9	▲ up 465 · +13% births
1980	#7441	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Jonah

Best Year2023Rank #124

Peak Count2,895

Average Rank#5129

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1980 - 202312 years

The story of Jonah

Jonah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1964. A total of 71,682 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7441 in 1980 to #124 in 2023. Jonah is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.

Names that peaked alongside Jonah in 2018:

Emma Olivia Ava Isabella Sophia

Jonah by decade

Jonah peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	79
1890s	65
1900s	71
1910s	222
1920s	329
1930s	252
1940s	249
1950s	297
1960s	309
1970s	1,790
1980s	2,944
1990s	10,196
2000s	23,872
2010s ★	28,194
2020s	2,813

What are good nicknames for Jonah?

Common

JonJonieJony

Famous people named Jonah

Jonah (historical figure)

Jonah bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Jonah?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Jonah also consider these

Jonnah

English · He has been

Jonam

Hebrew · God is gracious

American · YHWH is gracious

Onah

Hebrew · she is a

How is Jonah written in other languages?

יוֹנָה

Ancient Hebrew

Gender variants of Jonah

Yonina HEBREW Yonit HEBREW

Common questions about the name Jonah

What does the name Jonah mean?

Jonah means "דּוֹרִיָּה" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Jonah?

Jonah is currently ranked #124 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Jonah?

Jonah originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Jonah?

Jonah is a two-syllable name pronounced JH OW1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Jonah more of a girl or boy name?

Jonah is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.