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Christian Name Meaning & Origin Guide

Jonah

Dove, God will provide

Pronunciation: JOH-nah (/dʒoʊˈnɑː/)

Boy Name Biblical origin Popularity 80
Meaning
Dove, God will provide
Origin
Biblical
Lucky Number
16
Lucky Day
Thursday
Lucky Stone
Amber
Life Path
8
Popularity Score
80
Language
English, Greek, Latin
Lucky Colors: BluePurple

What does Jonah mean?

Derived from the Hebrew name 'Yonah', which means 'dove'. In the Old Testament, Jonah was a prophet who was commanded by God to go to the city of Nineveh and warn the inhabitants to repent of their sins. The name is also symbolic of God's provision and protection.

Jonah in other languages & scripts

Hebrew
Jonah
שם נוצרי שפירושו Dove, God will provide
Greek
Jonah
Χριστιανικό όνομα που σημαίνει Dove, God will provide
Latin
Jonas
Name of a prophet in the Old Testament meaning 'dove' or 'peaceful one'
English
Jonah
Name of a prophet in the Old Testament meaning 'dove' or 'peaceful one'

How to pronounce Jonah

English pronunciation
JOH-nah
Biblical pronunciation
Yonah (Hebrew)
IPA notation
/dʒoʊˈnɑː/

Numerology & personality

People with the life path number 8 are natural leaders and organizers. They are driven, ambitious, and have a strong will.

Associated Traits
KindFaithfulLoyalC = CourageousH = Humble

Spiritual & cultural context

Symbol of God's mercy and protection

In the biblical narrative, Jonah is most famously known for being swallowed by a whale and then being spat back out after he disobeyed God's command to go to Nineveh. This story has been reinterpreted in various ways throughout history, including as a metaphor for the human experience of being lost and later found by God. It has also been depicted in art, literature, and music, and continues to be a popular subject of cultural reflection and interpretation.

Scriptural & traditional roots

Biblical scripture: Old Testament (Jonah 1:1-17)

Saint connection: Saint Jonas

Popularity of Jonah by region

Region Country Score Year
Italy IT 69 2024
United Kingdom UK 66 2024

Names similar to Jonah

Frequently asked questions about Jonah

What does Jonah mean?
Jonah is a Hebrew name meaning 'dove'. It is derived from the Old Testament prophet who was commanded by God to go to the city of Nineveh and warn the inhabitants to repent of their sins.
Is Jonah a Christianity name?
Yes, Jonah is a name of Hebrew origin that is widely used in Christianity due to its association with the biblical prophet who is a central figure in Christian belief.
How to pronounce Jonah?
Joh-NAH
Is Jonah popular today?
Yes, Jonah has remained a popular name throughout history and continues to be a favorite among parents today.
What is the origin of Jonah?
Jonah is a Hebrew name that is derived from the Old Testament prophet who was a central figure in Jewish and Christian belief. The name is believed to mean 'dove'.