Rising since 1986, #2,020 for boys today.
Popularity of Joah since 1977
Babies named Joah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 12 |
| 1980s | 24 |
| 1990s | 66 |
| 2000s | 279 |
| 2010s | 487 |
| 2020s | 373 |
Meaning & origin
Joah is a rare biblical name that entered the U.S. charts in 1977, but its real growth began in the mid-1980s. It peaked in 2023 at a rank just outside the top 2,000, with a 1-in-23,082 birth share in 2020. The name is most popular in Florida, New York, and Texas, reflecting a broader trend toward concise, vowel-heavy Hebrew names. Its steady rise since 1986 suggests it appeals to parents seeking an Old Testament name that is both traditional and uncommon.
Joah is a Hebrew name from the Old Testament, borne by several minor figures. It derives from the elements 'Yo' (a shortened form of Yahweh) and 'ah' (brother), together meaning 'Yahweh is brother' or 'brother of Yahweh.' The name appears in the Bible as the name of a son of Obed-edom (1 Chronicles 26:4) and a recorder under King Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:18). Despite its ancient roots, Joah was virtually unused in English-speaking countries until the late 20th century.
Where Joah is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Joah” around the world
Where Joah lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jo
Variants: Yoah
Sibling names for Joah
Names that share Joah's style, for a brother or sister.
