Rising since 1995, #5,861 for boys today.
Popularity of Yona since 1924
Babies named Yona per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | 7 | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 | 0 |
| 1960s | 28 | 0 |
| 1970s | 42 | 0 |
| 1980s | 19 | 16 |
| 1990s | 17 | 34 |
| 2000s | 61 | 113 |
| 2010s | 78 | 185 |
| 2020s | 89 | 134 |
Meaning & origin
Yona is a unisex name of Hebrew origin meaning 'dove,' a symbol of peace and purity. First recorded in U.S. data in 1982, it has been steadily rising in usage since 1995, reflecting a growing appreciation for short, meaningful, and cross-cultural names. In 2025, it ranked 5,861, with about 1 in 113,872 babies receiving the name, and its peak popularity occurred in 2024. The name is particularly favored in New York, which leads among top states. Yona's dual appeal as a biblical feminine form of Jonah and as a distinct name in Japanese (where it can mean 'night' or 'world') adds to its modern, global character. Its gentle sound and serene meaning resonate with parents seeking a name that is both traditional and fresh.
Yona is a Hebrew name meaning 'dove,' derived from the Hebrew word יוֹנָה (yonah). It is the feminine form of Jonah, the biblical prophet who was swallowed by a great fish. In Jewish tradition, the dove symbolizes peace and purity. The name has been used in Israel and among Jewish diaspora communities, and has also appeared in Japanese contexts as a separate name with different roots.
Where Yona is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Yona” around the world
Where Yona lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Yoni
Sibling names for Yona
Names that share Yona's style, for a brother or sister.
