Rising since 1991, #128 for boys today.
Popularity of Jonah since 1880
Babies named Jonah per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2008, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Jonah's real moment was 2023.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 79 |
| 1890s | 65 |
| 1900s | 71 |
| 1910s | 222 |
| 1920s | 329 |
| 1930s | 252 |
| 1940s | 249 |
| 1950s | 298 |
| 1960s | 304 |
| 1970s | 1,767 |
| 1980s | 2,889 |
| 1990s | 10,073 |
| 2000s | 23,697 |
| 2010s | 28,053 |
| 2020s | 16,935 |
Meaning & origin
Jonah is a classic biblical name that has maintained steady appeal, with a notable resurgence in recent decades. In 2025, it ranked 128th nationally, with about 1 in 604 boys receiving the name, reflecting its solid footing among modern parents. The name hit its peak popularity in 2023, and its trajectory has been rising since 1991, indicating a long-term upward trend. Regionally, Jonah is most favored in the District of Columbia, Maine, and North Dakota, suggesting a particular resonance in the Northeast and Midwest. Despite its ancient roots, the name feels fresh and accessible, often chosen by parents who appreciate its soft sound and strong religious heritage. Its simplicity and lack of common nicknames add to its straightforward, dignified character.
Jonah comes from the Hebrew name Yonah, meaning 'dove.' In the Old Testament, Jonah was a prophet who fled from God's command and was swallowed by a great fish, later repenting. The story made the name familiar across Jewish and Christian traditions, and it has been in consistent use in English-speaking countries since the Protestant Reformation.
Where Jonah is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Jonah” around the world
Where Jonah lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
100
babies in 2024
Ireland
21
babies in 2025
New Zealand
17
babies in 2025
Quebec
10
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jo
Sibling names for Jonah
Names that share Jonah's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Hannah, Leah, Miriam, Abigail, Naomi, Ariella, Maya, Talia, Carmel, Deliah, Dorcas, Elora, Hosanna, Jael, Janna, Jemima, Johnna, Kesha, Noa, Orpha, Patience, Salome, Sarai, Tamar, Alona, Ariela, Dalilah, Marah, Neta, Talitha, Terah, Abra, Anah, Channa, Dinorah, Elanna, Hadasa, Jonica, Judea, Milca, Penina, Shelah, Syria, Toba, Yohanna, Adiya, Eloah, Ionna, Jemia, Mieka, Monna, Naarah, Tirza, Tovah, Jessel, Ketura, Myrian, Acsa, Beila, Donja, Hanni, Iasha, Ilisha, Illana, Jobina, Jode, Jonay, Jonessa, Mathea, Metha, Monik, Moria, Muriah, Rhesa, Rinnah, Simora, Tirsa, Vasti, Yonna
Brothers: Noah, Elijah, Samuel, Isaac, Josiah, Asa, Cohen, Elisha, Micah, Myles, Noe, Ruben, Tobias, Amos, Canaan, Deacon, Elihu, Enoch, Ephraim, Gideon, Hosea, Izrael, Jericho, Kohen, Mahlon, Samson, Simeon, Yael, Arik, Dathan, Jairus, Jobe, Nahum, Obadiah, Sampson, Yoel, Zeb, Adon, Asaph, Ascher, Jabin, Jhonathan, Joah, Michah, Naaman, Nahom, Namon, Othniel, Psalm, Symon, Timon, Tobiah, Yona, Zadok, Zekiel, Zephan, Abdon, Absalom, Emmaus, Ephrem, Eyoel, Isiac, Jabes, Jakim, Jamis, Johanan, Joram, Joshaua, Levis, Samule, Tabias, Tekoa, Yashua, Abba, Baruc, Elijan, Jhan, Joen, Joeph, Jonavin, Joshiah, Jossiel, Junah, Nahun, Ory, Shemuel, Thadd
Names like Jonah
Names whose popularity has moved with Jonah's over the last 50 years.
