What does Noah mean and where does it come from?
The name Noah (נח) has ancient roots and is traditionally a masculine name in Hebrew, meaning 'rest' or 'comfort'. In recent years, it has been adopted as a female name, gaining popularity especially in the United States. This transition reflects broader cultural shifts regarding gender and naming c
Cultural significance
Noah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of movement.
Peak popularity
Reached #1 in 2013 — currently #2 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Noah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Noah?
Noah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Noah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Noah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Noah Claire
French influence · crisp
Noah Jane
Literary · strong
Noah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Noah right now?
Holding steady — currently #2 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2 | 19,088 | stable · +2% births |
| 2022 | #2 | 18,735 | stable · -1% births |
| 2021 | #2 | 18,906 | stable · +4% births |
| 2020 | #2 | 18,252 | ▼ down 1 · -7% births |
| 2015 | #1 | 19,635 | ▲ up 6 · +19% births |
| 2010 | #7 | 16,451 | ▲ up 16 · +18% births |
| 2005 | #23 | 13,892 | ▲ up 4 · -3% births |
| 2000 | #27 | 14,274 | ▲ up 72 · +273% births |
| 1995 | #99 | 3,823 | ▲ up 129 · +192% births |
| 1990 | #228 | 1,308 | ▼ down 11 · +18% births |
| 1985 | #217 | 1,107 | ▲ up 23 · +19% births |
| 1980 | #240 | 930 | ▲ up 71 · +60% births |
| 1975 | #311 | 581 | ▲ up 133 · +71% births |
| 1970 | #444 | 340 | ▲ up 232 · +181% births |
| 1965 | #676 | 121 | — |
The story of Noah
Noah has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It reached the #1 spot in 2013, making it the most popular boy name in America that year. More than 433,696 babies have been named Noah since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #130 in 1880 to #2 in 2023. Noah is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Noah in 2013:
Noah by decade
Noah peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 895 | |
| 1890s | 686 | |
| 1900s | 622 | |
| 1910s | 1,734 | |
| 1920s | 2,284 | |
| 1930s | 1,611 | |
| 1940s | 1,521 | |
| 1950s | 1,456 | |
| 1960s | 1,528 | |
| 1970s | 5,730 | |
| 1980s | 12,477 | |
| 1990s | 56,547 | |
| 2000s | 144,034 | |
| 2010s ★ | 184,014 | |
| 2020s | 18,557 | |
What are good nicknames for Noah?
Famous people named Noah
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Noah (Biblical)
Biblical patriarch who built the ark in the Book of Genesis, one of the most universally recognized names
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Noah Schnapp
American actor known for playing Will Byers in the Netflix series Stranger Things
NC
Noah Cyrus
American singer and actress, sister of Miley Cyrus, known for her indie pop style
NW
Noah Webster
American lexicographer who created the first major American dictionary, still bearing his name today
TN
Trevor Noah
South African comedian and former host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Noah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Noah also consider these
Common questions about the name Noah
What does the name Noah mean?
Noah means "movement" — 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 Noah?
Noah is currently ranked #2 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 Noah?
Noah 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 Noah?
Noah is a two-syllable name pronounced N OW1 AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Noah more of a girl or boy name?
Noah is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.