Jonas
JOH-nuhs
Jonas is the Greek and Latin form of the Hebrew name Yonah (יונָה), meaning “dove.” The dove carried symbolism of peace and gentleness in ancient Near Eastern cultures long before it entered Christian iconography.
The biblical prophet Jonah (Jonas in the Septuagint) is famous for being swallowed by a great fish. His story of reluctant obedience became one of the most recognizable narratives in the Old Testament.
Jonas ranked No. 556 in 2024 with 531 births. The name peaked at No. 274 in 2008 with 1,256 births, a rise linked in part to pop-culture exposure.
What the name Jonas means
The Jonas Brothers — Kevin, Joe, and Nick — made the name ubiquitous in late-2000s American pop culture. Their surname gave Jonas a youthful, celebrity-adjacent quality that lifted its use as a first name.
Two syllables — JOE-nus — sound classic and measured. The name avoids the old-fashioned feel of Jonah while sharing the same root and meaning.
In Scandinavia, Jonas has been a top name for decades, consistently ranking among the most popular choices in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Its European pedigree is strong.
The name occupies a middle ground between the biblical Jonah and the modern Jonathan. Parents who want Hebrew heritage without an overtly religious tone often find Jonas strikes the right balance.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Jonas
Jonas - similar names
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