"dove"
Origin: Hebrew Yonah (יוֹנָה)
Language: English
Jonas
Pronunciation: [ j-OHN-uhs ]
Does Jonas flow with your last name?
Europe's beloved form of Jonah, meaning 'dove'
English
German
Scandinavian
Lithuanian
Portuguese
Classic
Literary
Vintage
Strong
Gentle
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"peaceful, gentle as a dove"
Origin: Greek/Latin via Hebrew
Language: Greek
Browse names with similar meanings:
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The Story of Jonas
Jonas is the Greek and Latin form of the Hebrew name Jonah (יוֹנָה), meaning 'dove.' The dove is a symbol of peace, the Holy Spirit, and purity in both Jewish and Christian traditions. While Jonah is the anglicized biblical form, Jonas has been the preferred form in continental Europe — Germany, Scandinavia, and Lithuania — giving it a more cosmopolitan, international feel than its more common counterpart.
Jonas has risen steadily across Europe and the US in the 2010s, benefiting from the international vintage name revival. The Jonas Brothers brought the name to pop-culture prominence in the late 2000s, while in Europe it has long been a consistent top-20 name in Germany, Sweden, and Lithuania.
In Scandinavia and Germany, Jonas has been a top-10 name for decades and carries no novelty — it is simply a well-loved classic. In Lithuania, Jonas is the most common male name. The biblical Book of Jonah, with its story of the whale and second chances, gives the name layers of narrative meaning.
Historical Record
Jonas first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 24,862 babies have been named Jonas in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Jonas is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #557 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Jonas is the most common male name in Lithuania
- The Jonas Brothers (Kevin, Joe, Nick) launched the name into US pop-culture prominence from 2005
- In the biblical book of Jonah, God's mercy extended even to the city of Nineveh — a story about second chances and divine forgiveness
Jonas in Other Languages
French
Jonas
German
Jonas
Hebrew
יוֹנָה
Spanish
Jonás
Swedish
Jonas
Lithuanian
Jonas
Portuguese
Jonas
Popularity Over Time
#557
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Jonas
J
Jonas Brothers (Nick Jonas)
Musician
1992
American pop star and member of the Jonas Brothers, one of the best-selling pop groups of the 2000s
J
Jonas Salk
Scientist
1914
American virologist who developed the first safe and effective polio vaccine in 1955
J
Jonas (The Giver) Fictional
Other
Protagonist of Lois Lowry's 1993 dystopian novel 'The Giver,' a beloved work of young adult literature
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Compare Jonas with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #557
- Total SSA Count
- 531
- Cultural Origins
- English German Scandinavian Lithuanian Portuguese
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Jon
Jo
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, Portuguese heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Jonas
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Jonas is also used as a girl name, ranked #60433.
View Jonas as a girl name →Similar Names
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Old French origin
"candle maker or seller"
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Scottish Celtic origin
"from the River Clyde"
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Old Irish origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jonas
What does the name Jonas mean?
"dove" (from Hebrew Yonah (יוֹנָה)). "peaceful, gentle as a dove" (from Greek/Latin via Hebrew). Jonas is the Greek and Latin form of the Hebrew name Jonah (יוֹנָה), meaning 'dove.' The dove is a symbol of peace, the Holy Spirit, and purity in both Jewish and Christian traditions. While Jonah is the anglicized biblical form, Jonas has been the preferred form in continental Europe — Germany, Scandinavia, and Lithuania — giving it a more cosmopolitan, international feel than its more common counterpart.
What is the origin of the name Jonas?
Jonas has Hebrew Yonah (יוֹנָה), Greek/Latin via Hebrew, English, German, Scandinavian, Lithuanian, and Portuguese origins. In Hebrew Yonah (יוֹנָה), it means "dove". In Greek/Latin via Hebrew, it means "peaceful, gentle as a dove".
Is Jonas a boy or girl name?
Jonas is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #557. As a girl name, it is ranked #60433. Jonas is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Jonas?
Jonas is pronounced j-OHN-uhs.
How popular is the name Jonas?
Jonas is currently ranked #557 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Jonas?
Common nicknames for Jonas include Jon.
What are good middle names for Jonas?
Popular middle name pairings include Jonas William, Jonas Peter, Jonas Henry, Jonas Eli, Jonas Luke, Jonas Samuel, and Jonas Reed.
What are good sibling names for Jonas?
Names that pair well with Jonas as siblings include Elias, Tobias, Silas, Clara, Marta, Louisa, and Matthias.
How many syllables does Jonas have?
Jonas has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Jonas a common or rare name?
Jonas is moderately common, ranked #557 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What boy names are similar to Jonas?
About the Name Jonas
Jonas is a boy name with English, German, Scandinavian, Lithuanian, and Portuguese origins . The name means "dove" in Hebrew Yonah (יוֹנָה) .
Is Jonas a boy or girl name? Jonas is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #557 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #60,433. Jonas is more commonly used as a boy name.
Jonas is currently ranked #557 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Jonas has 2 syllables and is pronounced j-OHN-uhs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Jonas include Jon and Jo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Jonas include Jonathan, Jonah, Jonathon, Jonatan, Jona . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis