Meaning

Its source is Yonah, a Hebrew name meaning "Dove."

Meaning

Gift from God.

Languages used in

This boy's name is used in English.

Background story

This name is sometimes interpreted to mean ''peace.'' As the dove is an almost universal symbol of peace, this is more of a variation than an alternative translation.

Jonah is a prophet in the Jewish scriptures whom God commissions to preach to the Gentiles of Nineveh. Abhoring this task, Jonah tries to escape by fleeing to sea. When a tempest hits, he knows that God's anger at him is the cause of it; he insists on being thrown overboard as a sacrifice.

The tempest abates as Jonah is swallowed by a great fish (identified in folk tradition as a whale.) After spending three days and nights in the belly of the fish, he is vomited up on the shore. He realizes the futility of resisting God's will, and proceeds to Nineveh, where his preaching brings about the conversion of the entire populace.

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Statistics for the name Jonas (male)

• In USA in 2006, the boy name Jonas was ranked as number 357 on the most popular name for newborn babies
• In USA in 2005, the boy name Jonas was ranked as number 387 on the most popular name for newborn babies
• In USA in 2004, the boy name Jonas was ranked as number 456 on the most popular name for newborn babies
• In USA in 2003, the boy name Jonas was ranked as number 466 on the most popular name for newborn babies
• In USA in 2002, the boy name Jonas was ranked as number 438 on the most popular name for newborn babies
• In Denmark in 1996, the boy name Jonas was ranked as number 9 on the most popular name for newborn babies
• In Denmark in 1997, the boy name Jonas was ranked as number 11 on the most popular name for newborn babies
• In Denmark in 1998, the boy name Jonas was ranked as number 10 on the most popular name for newborn babies
• In Denmark in 1999, the boy name Jonas was ranked as number 9 on the most popular name for newborn babies
• In Denmark in 2000, the boy name Jonas was ranked as number 10 on the most popular name for newborn babies
• In Denmark in 2001, the boy name Jonas was ranked as number 13 on the most popular name for newborn babies
• In Denmark in 2002, the boy name Jonas was ranked as number 14 on the most popular name for newborn babies
• In Denmark in 2003, the boy name Jonas was ranked as number 12 on the most popular name for newborn babies
• In Denmark in 2004, the boy name Jonas was ranked as number 17 on the most popular name for newborn babies
• In Denmark in 2005, the boy name Jonas was ranked as number 17 on the most popular name for newborn babies