♂ Name Jonah – dove

Origin:	Hebrew, Greek
Meaning:	dove, inhabitant of Ionia
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The biblical name Jonah is derived from the Hebrew name Yonah(יוֹנָה) and means “dove,” reflecting its association with ancient Greek omen and sign imagery.

Where does the name Jonah come from?

Jonah is a biblical name, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yonah(יוֹנָה). In the Old Testament, Jonah was a prophet who fled by boat because he was commanded by God to preach in Nineveh. As punishment, God sent a storm; the other sailors threw Jonah overboard, and he was swallowed by a fish. After three days and three nights, he emerged from the fish alive and went to Nineveh.

What does the name Jonah mean?

Jonah means “dove” in Hebrew and is derived from the ancient Greek word “οἰωνός” (oiōnós), meaning “sign” or “omen”, because in ancient Greece people believed that birds were sent by the gods as a sign. Besides, Jonah could be derived from the Greek word “Ionas” (Ίωνας), meaning “one of the Ionians”, “inhabitant of Ionia”, or “member of the Greek tribe Ionians”.

Word composition

• Hebrew “יוֹנָה” (yonah) = dove
• Ancient Greek “οἰωνός” (oiōnós) = sign, omen
• Greek “Ίωνας” (Ionas) = one of the Ionians, inhabitant of Ionia

Pronunciation of Jonah

Variants

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Author: Jelka Batteiger

Last updated: 3/30/2026