Jonah is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin. It means "dove" in English and has a rich history in the Bible. In the Book of Jonah, the prophet Jonah is sent to the city of Nineveh but initially attempts to flee his mission by boarding a ship headed for Tarshish. However, a great storm forces him to be thrown overboard where he is swallowed by a large fish for three days and nights before being spit out onto dry land. Jonah then fulfills his duty and delivers God's message to the people of Nineveh who subsequently repent and are spared from destruction.
The name Jonah has been popular throughout history, particularly in the United States. According to Social Security data, it was among the top 500 most popular boys' names in the country between the years 1900 and 2018. In recent decades, its popularity has seen a resurgence, with Jonah ranking within the top 300 baby boy names in the U.S. as of 2020.
Some notable figures who bear the name Jonah include American actors Jonah Hill (born Jonathan Hill) and Jonah Bobo, as well as Canadian singer-songwriter Jonah Mathews from the pop-rock band Marianas Trench. Additionally, Jonah Lomu was a legendary New Zealand rugby player considered one of the greatest ever to play the sport.
Overall, the name Jonah carries with it both biblical significance and contemporary appeal, making it an enduring choice for parents seeking a meaningful and distinctive moniker for their child.
The name Jonah has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States, as evidenced by the birth statistics from 1964 to present day.
From 1964 to around 1980, the number of births per year with the name Jonah hovered between 5 and 10. However, starting in the early 1990s, there was a notable rise in popularity. In 1992, there were 11 births, and this number continued to climb throughout the decade.
The late 1990s saw even more growth, with 20 births recorded in both 1997 and 1998. This trend continued into the new millennium, with peaks of 26 births in 2007 and 36 births in 2018. The most recent data from 2023 shows that Jonah is still a popular choice, with 33 births recorded.
Overall, since 1964, there have been a total of 727 babies named Jonah born in the United States. This steady increase in popularity over time suggests that the name Jonah has become more accepted and beloved by parents across different generations.