Meaning & History
Yonah is an alternate transcription of the Hebrew name Yona, ultimately derived from the biblical name Jonah. It means "dove" in Hebrew, a symbol of peace and purity.
Etymology
The name Yonah comes from the Hebrew word yonah (יוֹנָה), meaning "dove." As a transcription variant, Yonah directly reflects the Hebrew pronunciation, used in modern contexts as a unisex name. It is closely related to the masculine form Yona and the feminine forms Yonina and Yonit.
Cultural and Religious Significance
Yonah is a biblical name, associated with the prophet Jonah, who, according to the Book of Jonah in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), was swallowed by a great fish after fleeing God's command to preach in Nineveh. After three days, he was released and fulfilled his mission. This story is also recognized in Christianity and Islam, where Jonah (known as Yunus) is considered a prophet.
Variants Across Cultures
Yonah shares roots with many international variants: Younis (Arabic), Yunus (Turkish), Younes (Persian), Yunis (Azerbaijani), Yonas (Tigrinya), and the English Jonah.
- Meaning: Dove
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: Unisex
- Usage Regions: Israel, Jewish diaspora