WorldNameData

Jonah

Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings

How to pronounce the name Jonah
Pronunciation guide for Jonah
ARPA
JH OW1 N AH0
IPA
ˈʤoʊnə

Pronunciation Breakdown

Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Jonah

Syllables (2)

JH OW1 N AH0

Bold syllables indicate primary stress

Sound Breakdown

JH
gee (dʒ)
OW1
oat (oʊ)
N
knee (n)
AH0
hut (ʌ)

International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

ˈʤoʊnə

Standard international representation

Pronunciation Tips

• Jonah has 2 syllables. Take your time with each part.

• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.

Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Jonah

Structure

Character Count
5
Syllable Count
2
Vowel Ratio
40%
Name Family
jonah

Usability

Pronunciation Difficulty4/10

Moderate difficulty

International Friendliness10/10

Works well across languages

DNA profile of the name Jonah
Unique character and personality of the name Jonah

Name Personality

The Global
Global
Adaptable
Modern

Key Characteristics

Length
Medium

Balanced and versatile

Rhythm
Flowing

Balanced rhythm

Sound
Balanced

Mix of vowels and consonants

Ease
Moderate

May require practice

Global
Universal

Works across cultures

Heritage
jonah

Part of this name family

Letter Frequency

j×1
o×1
n×1

Most frequent letters in Jonah

Visual Pattern

Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants

Name Statistics

📊
Syllables
2 syllables
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Easy
4/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison

How does Jonah compare to the average name?

Jonah4/10 😐
4.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0

Jonah is easier than average by 1.0 points.

Difficulty Scale:

Very Easy (0–2)
Easy (2–4)← Jonah
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Name Family

Names related to Jonah (root: jonah)

Current Name

Jonah

Related Names (9)

Short variations:

Jona
Jonae

Medium variations:

Jonadab
Jonael
Jonahan
Jonahel
Jonahn
Jonahs

Long variations:

Jonah-dillon

Jonah belongs to a family of 10 related names.

What does the name Jonah mean?
The meaning and origin of Jonah
Historical Reference

noun 1. (Old Testament) Jonah did not wish to become a prophet so God caused a great storm to throw him overboard from a ship; he was saved by being swallowed by a whale that vomited him out onto dry land

English

noun 2. a person believed to bring bad luck to those around him

Historical Reference

noun 3. a book in the Old Testament that tells the story of Jonah and the whale

Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Jonah's meanings

Primary Theme

✨
Aspirational

Conveys strength, nobility, or divine favor

Theme Distribution

Aspirational
1

Key Themes

god
great
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Jonah

Life Path Number

3
The Creative

Creative spirits who bring joy and inspiration through self-expression.

Expressive
Social
Artistic
Joyful

Most Common Letters

j×1
o×1
n×1
a×1
h×1

Sound Composition

Vowels
2(40%)
Consonants
3(60%)

Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong

Numerology Breakdown

j1
o6
n5
a1
h8

Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.

Notable People Named Jonah
Famous individuals named Jonah
👤

Jonah Edward Kelley

United States Army Medal of Honor recipient (1923-1945)

Born: 1923

👤

Jonah Heim

American baseball player

Born: 1995

👤

Melvin J. Lasky

American journalist (1920–2004)

Born: 1920

👤

Jonah Parzen-Johnson

American saxophonist

Born: 1988

👤

Jim Cummings

American voice actor

Born: 1952

👤

Jonah Ratsimbazafy

researcher

How popular is the name Jonah?
Popularity rankings for Jonah around the world
CountryGenderRankYears
Canadaboy#872008-2008
Franceboy#4652016-2016
Netherlandsboy#1232019-2019
United Kingdomboy#1442018-2018
United Statesboy#1452018-2018
Country Comparison
How Jonah ranks across different countries

Showing top 5 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)

What names are similar to Jonah?
Names similar to Jonah
JonaJonadabJonaeJonaelJonahJonah-dillonJonahanJonahelJonahnJonahs
What words rhyme with the name Jonah?
Rhyming words for Jonah
alzona
ancona
anona
aragona
arizona
azcona
barahona
barcelona
bivona
bona
cappadona
caradonna
cardona
celona
colonna
cona
corona
cutrona
daddona
daytona

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce Jonah?
IPA: /ˈʤoʊnə/ ARPA: JH OW1 N AH0 This name has a moderate pronunciation difficulty.
How many syllables are in Jonah?
Jonah has 2 syllables.
Is Jonah easy to pronounce?
Jonah is relatively easy to pronounce for most English speakers. It doesn't contain uncommon sound combinations.
Is Jonah easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Jonah is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
Who are some famous people named Jonah?
There are 100 notable people named Jonah. This name has significant cultural presence and recognition.
What names are similar to Jonah?
Names similar to Jonah include: Jona, Jonadab, Jonae, Jonael, Jonah-dillon. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Jonah a good baby name?
Jonah is a good baby name, particularly if you value names that are internationally friendly.
Is Jonah a boy or girl name?
Jonah can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Jonah?
The name is spelled J-o-n-a-h. Common spelling variations include: Jona, Jonadab, Jonae.
What are common nicknames for Jonah?
Common nicknames for Jonah include: Jon, Jonay, Jonie. Nicknames often develop naturally based on personal preference and family traditions.
What does the name Jonah mean?
The name Jonah means "Jonah n 1: (Old Testament) Jonah did not wish to become a prophet so God caused a great storm to throw him overboard from a ship; he was saved by being swallowed by a whale that vomited him out onto dry land 2: a person believed to bring bad luck to those around him [syn: {jonah}, {jinx}] 3: a book in the Old Testament that tells the story of Jonah and the whale [syn: {Jonah}, {Book of Jonah}]." This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Jonah?
Middle names that pair well with Jonah include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Jonah?
Sibling names that pair well with Jonah include: Jona, Jonadab, Jonae, Jonael. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Jonah?
Most teachers will be able to pronounce Jonah correctly after hearing it once or twice. It's relatively phonetic and doesn't contain unusual sound combinations. You may need to provide pronunciation guidance at the start of each school year.
What culture is the name Jonah from?
Jonah has a multicultural heritage, with potential roots in multiple linguistic and cultural traditions. Many names have complex etymological paths, being borrowed, adapted, and adopted across different cultures throughout history. This cultural journey often enriches the name with multiple layers of meaning and significance, reflecting the interconnected nature of human societies and their naming traditions.
Is Jonah suitable for a professional career?
Jonah is well-suited for professional contexts. It's internationally friendly for global careers and appropriate length for business cards and email addresses. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is Jonah a long or short name?
Jonah is a short name with 5 letters (2 syllables). Short names are practical and easy to use in everyday contexts. They rarely need nicknames.
What are common misspellings of Jonah?
Common spelling variations of Jonah include: Jona, Jonae, Jonael. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Jonah and Jona?
Jonah and Jona are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Jonah is spelled Jonah while Jona is spelled Jona. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.