Jonah is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word "Yonah," which means "dove." It is often associated with the biblical figure Jonah, who was swallowed by a large fish in one of the most well-known stories in the Old Testament.
The name Jonah has been used for centuries and has gained popularity in various cultures around the world. In England, it was recorded as far back as the 13th century, while in the United States, it began to be used more frequently during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Some notable figures with the name Jonah include American author and journalist Jonah Lehrer, known for his books on the brain and psychology, and British musician Jonah Matranga, who is the lead singer of the rock band Far.
The name Jona has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years, with a total of 487 babies being named Jona in the United States since 1922.
Initially, the number of births for this name was quite low, with only 5 occurrences each year between 1922 and 1926. However, there was a notable spike in popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s, with the highest numbers recorded being 10 births in 1978, 9 births in both 1981 and 1982, and another 9 births in 1985.
The name Jona continued to have moderate popularity throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, with around 6 to 13 births per year. However, it began to gain more traction from 2007 onwards, with a significant increase in popularity seen between 2007 and 2023.
During this period, the number of births for the name Jona consistently increased each year, reaching its peak in recent years. Between 2019 and 2023, there were 23 or more births each year, with a total of 23 births recorded in both 2021 and 2022.
This steady growth in popularity over the past decade suggests that the name Jona is well-regarded among parents today. While it may not have been as commonly used in previous decades, its recent rise indicates that many families find this name appealing for their children.