What Does the Name Jonah Mean?
Jonah comes from the Hebrew Yonah, meaning 'dove,' a bird long associated in Hebrew tradition with peace and gentleness. The soft meaning contrasts with the name's dramatic biblical story.
The Origin & History of Jonah
The Book of Jonah tells of a reluctant prophet swallowed by a great fish after fleeing God's command, one of the best-known narratives in the Hebrew Bible, also recognized in Christianity and Islam. The story's vivid imagery has kept the name culturally familiar for centuries.
Popularity in the United States
Jonah has ranked in the US top 200 boys' names for the past two decades, part of the steady rise of short Old Testament names alongside Micah and Asher.
Personality & Traits
Jonah tends to feel gentle, thoughtful, and a little adventurous, drawing on both its peaceful meaning and its dramatic biblical tale.
Famous People Named Jonah
Actor and comedian Jonah Hill is one of the name's best-known modern bearers. The biblical prophet Jonah remains its defining namesake.
Nicknames & Variations
Jonah is usually used in full. Related forms include Jonas, common in European languages, and the feminine Yonah.