Yona

“dove” — Symbol of peace and purity

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 58% boys♀ 42% girls

#4211US 2023

26Births / yr

↑Rising

630All-time births

📅 Since 192400

How to pronounce Yona

YOH·nuh

/ˈjoʊ.nə/ · stress on YOH · 2 syllables

“dove”

Symbol of peace and purity · American origin

What does Yona mean and where does it come from?

Yona is a name of Hebrew origin, commonly associated with the biblical name Jonah (יונה), which means 'dove.' The dove is often a symbol of peace and purity. In Japanese, Yona (夜鳴) can mean 'nightingale,' suggesting themes of beauty and song. The name has gained popularity in the United States, part

Cultural significance

Yona has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dove.

Peak popularity

Reached #4433 in 1924 — currently #4211 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Yona?

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

Yona Grace

How popular is Yona right now?

Rising fast — up 484 spots — currently #4211 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1960–2023#4211 · Top 3.1%

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#4211	26	▲ up 484 · +18% births
2022	#4695	22	▲ up 76 · +5% births
2021	#4771	21	▲ up 2134 · +31% births
2020	#6905	16	▲ up 4065 · +78% births
2015	#10970	9	▲ up 4184 · +50% births
2010	#15154	6	▼ down 459
2005	#14695	6	▼ down 1337
2000	#13358	6	▼ down 2674 · -14% births
1995	#10684	7	▲ up 275 · +40% births
1985	#10959	5	▼ down 1637 · -17% births
1980	#9322	6	▲ up 42 · +20% births
1975	#9364	5	▼ down 2042 · -17% births
1970	#7322	6	▼ down 1248
1965	#6074	6	▼ down 109
1960	#5965	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Yona

Best Year2023Rank #4211

Peak Count26

Average Rank#8963

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1960 - 202315 years

The story of Yona

Yona entered American naming records in 1924 and has been in use for over 100 years. With 630 total births recorded, Yona remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5965 in 1960 to #4211 in 2023. Yona is used for both genders: 42% female and 58% male.

Names that peaked alongside Yona in 1924:

Mary Dorothy Helen Betty Margaret

Yona by decade

Yona peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1920s	7
1960s	28
1970s	42
1980s	35
1990s	51
2000s	174
2010s ★	259
2020s	34

💎Yona has only 630 total recorded births since 1924 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Yona?

Common

YonYonieYony

What names sound and feel like Yona?

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

Yonna

American · to be gracious

Vona

American · Fair, Pure

Zona

American · zone, area

Tona

American · Tona can be

Wyona

American · First-born daughter

Dyona

American · Divine or heavenly

Common questions about the name Yona

What does the name Yona mean?

Yona means "dove" — a name rooted in American 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 Yona?

Yona is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Yona have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Yona?

Yona originates from American tradition. American 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 Yona?

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

Is Yona trending right now?

Yona is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.