Origin and meaning of the name Jonah

Jonah is a Hebrew name, derived from the Hebrew word "Yonah," which means "dove" or "doved" in English. The name appears in the Old Testament as that of the prophet Jonah, who was sent by God to the city of Nineveh to warn its people of impending doom if they did not repent. The book bearing his name in the Bible relates his story. The use of this name has since spread beyond Hebrew and Jewish communities.

Learn more about the origin of the name Jonah

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Jonah

Jonah is a Hebrew given name with biblical origins, derived from the Hebrew word "Yonah" which means "dove" or "dove-like." It gained popularity due to the Old Testament prophet Jonah who was the central figure in the Book of Jonah. In this religious narrative, Jonah is sent by God to the city of Nineveh to warn its inhabitants about their impending destruction for their wickedness. Upon reaching the city, Jonah instead opts to flee and embarks on a ship, leading to a series of events that culminate in his repentance and successful prophecy. As such, the name Jonah is associated with themes of faith, obedience, and redemption.

Character traits associated with the name Jonah

Jonah is often portrayed as a determined and resilient individual, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to his beliefs and convictions, as depicted in the Biblical story of Jonah and the Whale. He is characterized by a strong sense of duty, willing to carry out God's commands despite facing personal hardships and obstacles. His character also embodies compassion, shown when he pleads for Nineveh's citizens to repent and avoid destruction. However, he can also be reluctant or hesitant, as evidenced by his initial refusal to follow God's instruction to warn the people of Nineveh. Overall, Jonah is a complex figure, exhibiting both strength and vulnerability, obedience and stubbornness, making him an intriguing study in character development.

Popularity of the name Jonah

The name Jonah has been consistently popular in various parts of the world, particularly among English-speaking countries and Jewish communities. According to statistics from the United States Social Security Administration, Jonah was ranked as the 298th most popular boy's name in 2020. In the United Kingdom, Jonah ranked higher at number 135 in 2019. The name has Biblical origins, derived from the Old Testament prophet Jonah, which may contribute to its enduring popularity. Its association with the story of Jonah and the whale also makes it a memorable choice for parents seeking a meaningful name for their child.

Famous people with the name Jonah

Jonah is a distinctive name that has been borne by notable figures across various fields and time periods. One of the most well-known individuals named Jonah is Jonah Hanauer, an American author and political commentator. He co-authored the book "The True Patriot" and has written for publications like The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Slate. Another prominent figure with this name is Jonah Hill, an acclaimed American actor known for his roles in films such as "Superbad," "Moneyball," and "The Wolf of Wall Street." He won a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on the television series "Da Ali G Show" and was nominated for two Academy Awards. Lastly, Jonah Goldhagen is a renowned historian and author, best known for his book "Hitler's Willing Executioners," which explores the role of ordinary Germans in the Holocaust. These three individuals demonstrate the versatility and influence that a person named Jonah can have in different fields.

Variations of the name Jonah

Jonah is a distinctive name of Hebrew origin, significant in the Old Testament as the prophet who was swallowed by a whale and later saved. The name Jonah means "dove" or "a pigeon" in Hebrew. Variations of this name include:

1. Jonathan - meaning "God has given," derived from the Hebrew name Yehonatan, which is a combination of the elements yehov (YHWH, God's name) and tan (given).
2. Juan or John - originating from the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin forms of Jonah, these names have been widely used in various cultures and languages.
3. Yonah, Yona, and Yonasan - these are Hebrew variations of Jonah.
4. Jan, Jean, Gian, and Hannes - are common European diminutive or alternative forms of John.
5. Jon, Johnny, and Jonathon - are modern English shortened versions of Jonathan and Jonah.
6. Ion, Ioannis, Ioan, Yovan, Ivan, and Iván - are variations of the name Jonah in different Slavic languages.
7. Jonas - a similar-sounding name originating from Hebrew and used widely in various languages, including Latin, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Dutch, and German. The meaning varies depending on the language but is often associated with "dove" or "God's graciousness."
8. Jon-ah - a less common variation of the original name, pronounced as two separate syllables rather than one flowing syllable.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "jonah"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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