Jonah
The Meaning & Origin of the Name Jonah
Jonah is a Hebrew boy name, which has 5 letters.
The name Jonah is of Hebrew origin, and it means “dove.” It is also a biblical name, associated with the prophet Jonah from the Bible who was sent by God to warn Nineveh of its impending destruction.
Rating
Be the first one to vote!
Log in to save this name to your favorites.
Detailed Information About The Name Jonah
Jonah is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin that means "dove." It is derived from the Hebrew word "yonah," which in turn comes from the root word "yânâ," signifying to be tender or to mourn. The name Jonah holds significant biblical significance as it is associated with the biblical character by the same name who appears in both the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. Jonah is famously known for being swallowed by a large fish or whale and surviving within its belly for three days and three nights. This biblical tale is often interpreted as a story of repentance, second chances, and the mercy of God. The Book of Jonah sheds light on Jonah's reluctance to fulfill God's command to warn the people of the city of Nineveh of their impending destruction due to their wickedness. However, after being spit out by the sea creature, Jonah conveys God's message to the people of Nineveh, who repent and are thus spared from their doom.
The name Jonah has been in use for centuries and has remained consistently popular. It has religious connotations that make it appealing to parents seeking a name with a spiritual meaning. In addition to its biblical origins, Jonah gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Protestant Reformation, along with other biblical names. In recent years, Jonah has experienced a revival, becoming increasingly popular among parents looking for a classic, yet unique name. Notable individuals with the name Jonah include Jonah Hill, an American actor, and comedian, and Jonah Lomu, a legendary New Zealand rugby player.
In terms of its characteristics, individuals named Jonah are often described as compassionate, empathetic, and peace-loving. They tend to possess a gentle and caring nature, resembling the calm and tranquility associated with doves. With its rich biblical history and timeless charm, Jonah remains a popular choice for parents seeking a name with both spiritual and historical significance.
Similar Hebrew Baby Names
Search Baby Names & Meanings
Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!
Celebrity Baby Names
Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.
Celebrity Baby NamesNaming Your Baby
Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.
Naming Your BabyUnusual Baby Names
Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.
Unusual Baby NamesBiblical Baby Names
Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!
Biblical Baby NamesTypes of Baby Names
The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.
Types of Baby Names