What does Yonah mean and where does it come from?
Yonah is a Hebrew name that means 'dove.' It has biblical connections, representing peace and purity. In Jewish tradition, the dove is often a symbol of hope and love. The name is used primarily in Hebrew-speaking countries and among Jewish communities, and it has gained some popularity in the U.S.
Cultural significance
Yonah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of יונה - dove.
Peak popularity
Reached #12382 in 2020 — currently #3556 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Yonah?
Yonah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Yonah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Yonah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Yonah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Yonah Claire
French influence · crisp
Yonah Jane
Literary · strong
Yonah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Yonah right now?
Falling — down 221 spots — currently #3556 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3556 | 33 | ▼ down 221 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #3335 | 36 | ▲ up 18 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #3353 | 35 | ▲ up 9029 · +400% births |
| 2020 | #12382 | 7 | — |
The story of Yonah
Yonah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2008. With 732 total births recorded, Yonah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #12382 in 2020 to #3556 in 2023. Yonah is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.
Names that peaked alongside Yonah in 2020:
Yonah by decade
Yonah peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 11 | |
| 1980s | 80 | |
| 1990s | 123 | |
| 2000s | 233 | |
| 2010s ★ | 253 | |
| 2020s | 32 | |
💎Yonah has only 732 total recorded births since 2008 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Yonah?
Famous people named Yonah
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Yonah (historical figure)
Yonah 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 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Yonah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Yonah also consider these
How is Yonah written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Yonah
What does the name Yonah mean?
Yonah means "יונה - Dove" — 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 Yonah?
Yonah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Yonah?
Yonah 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 Yonah?
Yonah is a two-syllable name pronounced Y OW1 N AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Yonah a common or rare name?
Yonah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.