Meaning of Jonah
Dove, gentle spirit
About the Name Jonah
Balanced and confident, Jonah is a two-syllable masculine name of Hebrew origin, with roots in the ancient texts of the Old Testament and the rich tradition of biblical names that have crossed religious and cultural boundaries to become truly international, meaning "Dove", and a recognised and trusted boy name internationally - known across communities but never so common that it loses its individual character. "Dove" in Hebrew carries a weight that the English translation can only approximate. These ancient names were carried by prophets, matriarchs, and kings - they have been in continuous use for over 3,000 years, a longevity that few naming traditions can match.
The practical question of how Jonah flows with the family surname is worth considering. The name is universally familiar across communities worldwide, easy to spell and pronounce, and carries natural authority in both formal and informal settings. Jonah strikes the balance many parents seek: meaningful and grounded, without being one of dozens in a classroom.
Sound & Flow
Jonah is a 2-syllable name. Test it with your family surname to hear how it flows. For example: Tan Jonah, Lim Jonah, or Lee Jonah.
Cultural Context
Biblical in origin and widely used across Christian communities, often alongside a given name in a second language.
Name Style & Tags
Name Facts & Trivia
Famous People Named Jonah
Prominent figures who share this name - Drawn from global culture, sports, and public life.
Want to discover names with similar fame? Try our name generator.