The name literally translates to “dove,” a universal symbol of peace, which softens the rugged image of the biblical prophet swallowed by a whale. It suggests a child who will be a peacemaker, someone thoughtful, resilient, and capable of weathering life’s storms.
Verdict: Jonah is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the timelessness of a classic while fitting perfectly into the current trend of softer, vowel-led boy names. It is familiar enough that no one will stumble over the pronunciation, yet distinctive enough to stand out.
Jonah Overview
- Meaning: Jonah is a name meaning “dove” or “pigeon.”
- Gender: Jonah is a traditionally masculine name.
- Origin: From the Hebrew word יוֹנָה or “Yonā.” Jonah is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, and the Book of Jonah is named after the Jewish prophet.
- Pronunciation: “JOW-nuh”
- Popularity: Jonah has had a resurgence in the last few decades and ranked 140th in the United States in 2021.
- Nicknames: Joe, JoJo, Jon, Joni.
- Variations: Giona, Ionas, Jonasz, Yonah, Younes.
- Namesakes: Jonah Goldberg, Jonah Hill, Jonah Peretti.
What Does Jonah Mean?
Jonah is a name meaning “dove” or “pigeon.” In onomatology (the study of names), animal names are often bestowed to transfer the characteristics of that creature to the child. The dove is universally recognized as a symbol of peace, harmony, and the divine spirit.
However, there is a fascinating nuance here. The biblical Jonah was a rebellious prophet, not necessarily peaceful, creating an interesting dichotomy between the name’s literal definition (“peace”) and its most famous historical bearer (a storm-tossed traveler). This gives the name a depth of character; it implies peace that is hard-won or found after a long journey.
It was originally a Hebrew name יוֹנָה, or “Yonā.” The name was translated into Latin and later English in the Christian New Testament. Its original meaning of “dove” remains in every variation.
Where Does the Name Jonah Come From?
Jonah is a very important figure in the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Old Testament, and the Quran. The name is ancient, dating back to at least the 8th century BC.
The Book of Jonah tells the story of the man and his complex relationship with God. Perhaps the most famous story from the book is “Jonah and the Whale.” Jonah tries to flee from a divine mission, is cast overboard during a storm, is swallowed by a “great fish” (often interpreted as a whale), and survives inside the belly for three days before being spit out to complete his mission.
In Judaism and Islam, Jonah is an important prophet, and Christians see Jonah’s three days in the fish as a prefiguration of the resurrection of Jesus. To Jewish people, Jonah represents God’s forgiveness and the concept of Teshuva (repentance). As a religious figure, Jonah has a significant role in all three major Abrahamic religions, bridging Judaism, Christianity, and Islam together (1).
How Popular is the Name Jonah?
Jonah is a true “modern classic.” While it is an ancient name, it did not see widespread usage in the United States during the early 20th century, often hovering near the bottom of the charts.
It began a meteoric rise in the 1990s, riding the wave of the “Old Testament Revival” that also brought us names like Jacob, Noah, and Ethan. Jonah has consistently ranked in the top 200 boys’ names in the USA for nearly two decades (2).
Currently, it has stabilized. It is no longer skyrocketing, but it isn’t crashing either. It has settled into a comfortable position as a familiar, well-loved name that is popular without being trendy or overused.
How Do I Pronounce Jonah?
Jonah is most commonly pronounced “JOW-nuh” in English-speaking countries. The emphasis is placed firmly on the first syllable, with a soft “uh” sound at the end.
Is Jonah a Boy or Girl Name?
Jonah is traditionally a name for boys. In the US and UK, it is strictly considered masculine. However, because of the soft “ah” ending, it fits in well with modern trends where masculine names are becoming softer phonetically.
There are few, if any, instances of it being given to a girl. However, Toibah, a Yiddish translation of “dove,” is predominantly feminine. In modern Israel, the Hebrew variation Yonah is occasionally used for girls, though it remains predominantly male.
Variations of Jonah
Jonah has been a symbolic name for millennia and therefore has many geographic variations. If you love the meaning but want a different cultural flair, consider these:
- Giona (Italian)
- Ionas (Greek)
- Jonas (German, Swedish, Lithuanian, Portuguese), This is the most common Western alternative.
- Jonasz (Polish)
- Joona (Finnish)
- Yonah (Hebrew), The original transliteration.
- Younes (Arabic)
- Yunus (Turkish)
Nicknames for Jonah
Jonah is a short, two-syllable name that doesn’t necessarily require a nickname, but parents often love to shorten it. It has lots of cute nicknames because of its vowel placements.
Common Nicknames:
- Jo
- Joe
- Joey
- Jon
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- J-Bird: A playful nod to the name’s meaning (Dove).
- Jones: A cool, surname-style twist on the name.
- Ona: Focusing on the latter half of the name for a softer sound.
Names Similar to Jonah
If you like the name Jonah and are looking for something similar, try looking at other religious names or names that feature that gentle “O” sound.
Here is why these names share a “vibe” with Jonah:
- Noah, Shares the nautical, Old Testament history and the soft “ah” ending.
- Micah, Another obscure prophet name that feels modern and fresh.
- Elijah, A strong biblical choice that is currently very stylish.
- Ezra, Shares the “soft masculinity” and bookish feel of Jonah.
- Caleb
- Benjamin
- Adam
- Cyrus
- Isaac
- Joshua
- Judah
- Jared
- Joseph
- Levi
- Nathaniel
- Silas
- Zeke
Middle Names for Jonah
If you’ve chosen the name Jonah for your future son, pairing it with the right middle name is the next step. Because Jonah ends in a vowel, it often pairs best with middle names that start with a consonant.
Classic & Timeless Pairings
These names ground Jonah in tradition, creating a name that sounds distinguished and professional.
Biblical & Syllabic Flows
Using a longer, multi-syllable middle name creates a lyrical rhythm (short-long) that rolls off the tongue beautifully.
- Jonah Abraham
- Jonah Emmanuel
- Jonah Isaiah
- Jonah Matthias
- Jonah Zachariah
Modern & Unique
If you want to shake off the ancient dust, these names add a contemporary edge to the soft first name.
- Jonah Bartholemew
- Jonah Nolan
- Jonah Yousef
Sibling Names for Jonah
If you already have a son named Jonah and are looking for some possible sibling names, you likely want names that are timeless, possibly biblical, but not overly archaic.
For a Brother
These names share the same Hebrew roots and gentle strength as Jonah.
For a Sister
These names are classic, feminine, and pair wonderfully with Jonah without sounding too matched.
Famous People Named Jonah
The most famous Jonah is, of course, the man swallowed by the whale in the Hebrew Bible. Many parents have been inspired by the original Jonah, so it’s little surprise there are several notable namesakes:
- Jonah Bolden: Australian-American NBA player who played for the Philadelphia 76ers and then the Phoenix Suns.
- Jonah Goldberg: American conservative political commentator notable for founding “National Review Online.”
- Jonah Hill: A two-time Academy Award-nominated American actor famous for his comedy movies including “21 Jump Street” and “Superbad.”
- Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole: The last prince of the Kingdom of Hawai’i and member of the American congress once Hawai’i became a US territory.
- Jonah Peretti: American journalist and entrepreneur famous for co-founding Buzzfeed and The Huffington Post.
- Jonah Ray: American actor, comedian, and writer who hosts the TV show “Mystery Science Theater 3000.”
Jonah in Pop Culture
Jonah has been a meaningful name for thousands of years. The original Jonah has his book, and there have been many others since:
- Jonah Byrde: A major character and the son of the protagonist in the Netflix TV drama “Ozark.”
- Jonah Hex: A well-known bounty hunter antihero appearing in various DC Comics.
- J. Jonah Jameson: The iconic, grumpy newspaper editor appearing in many Spider-Man comic books and films.
- Jonah Simms: A sweet and ambitious character in the popular American sitcom “Superstore.”
- Jonah Wizard: A character in the successful young adult book franchise “39 Clues.”
- Jonah Baldwin: The young son in the classic movie “Sleepless in Seattle,” who calls the radio station to find his dad a wife.
FAQs About the Name Jonah
We’ve covered all the basic information about the name Jonah. Here are some answers to a few more frequently asked questions.
Is the Name Jonah Bad Luck?
This might seem like a strange question, but for centuries sailors would use the phrase “a Jonah” to refer to a passenger who would bring bad luck to the ship’s voyage. Of course, this association is outdated, and Jonah is not considered an unlucky name in modern society.
Why Is the Name Jonah Associated With Peace?
Jonah is associated with peace because the name literally means “dove,” and the dove has long symbolized peace and harmony. This comes from the story of Noah’s Ark, where a dove brought Noah an olive branch to symbolize that the floodwaters had receded and life could begin again.
Does the Name Jonah Symbolize Second Chances?
Yes. In Judaism, people believe that Jonah symbolizes second chances and repentance (Teshuva). God gave Jonah a second chance when he saved him from the whale after being swallowed, even though Jonah had run away. This teaches that even at a person’s lowest point, they can be forgiven and overcome their struggles.
Is Jonah Common in Israel?
Although Jonah is somewhat popular in many Jewish communities, the name and its Hebrew variant Yonah are not that common in Israel for babies today. However, it remains a recognizable and respected name. Notable figures include former Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger and Yona Bogale, a leader of the Ethiopian Jewish community.
Is Jonah Related to the Name Jonas?
Yes, they are essentially the same name. Jonas is simply the Greek and Latin variation of the Hebrew Yonah (Jonah). In many European countries, including Germany and Sweden, Jonas is the standard spelling, whereas Jonah is the standard spelling in English-speaking countries.
What Are the Best Sibling Names for Jonah?
Because Jonah is a soft biblical name, it pairs best with other names that have a similar origin or vowel structure. Top picks for brothers include Noah, Elijah, and Micah. For sisters, Hannah, Leah, and Abigail are stylistic matches because they also feature Hebrew origins and soft endings.
How Do You Spell Jonah in Hebrew?
In Hebrew, Jonah is spelled יוֹנָה. It is pronounced slightly differently than the English version, sounding more like “Yo-NAH” with the stress on the second syllable.
Is Jonah a Top 100 Name?
Jonah has hovered just outside the Top 100 list in the United States for several years. It consistently ranks in the Top 150, making it a “Goldilocks” name, it is popular enough to be familiar to everyone, but not so popular that there will be three other Jonahs in your child’s classroom.
When Is the Feast Day for Jonah?
For Roman Catholics, the feast day of Saint Jonah is celebrated on September 21st. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, he is commemorated on September 22nd. This offers a nice way to celebrate the name if your family observes these traditions.
