Noah
/NOH-ə/
Noah is a boy name of Hebrew origin, meaning Rest, comfort.
- GenderBoy
- OriginHebrew
- StyleModern
- Syllables1
- US rank#2
What does Noah mean?
Rest, comfort
From the Hebrew Noach, connected to a root meaning "rest" or "comfort". Genesis offers its own explanation, that the name marks relief from the toil of the cursed ground.
The story behind the name
Noah is the builder of the ark, and the flood narrative he stands at the centre of has parallels across the ancient Near East, including the Epic of Gilgamesh. The rainbow covenant that closes the story made him a figure of second chances.
The name was used steadily but unremarkably in English for centuries. Its modern rise began in the 1990s and was extraordinary in scale: Noah reached number one for boys in the United States in 2013 and held it for several years.
It belongs to a group of soft-sounding Old Testament boys' names - Noah, Elijah, Levi, Asher, Ezra - that displaced the harder Anglo-Saxon and Norman names of the previous generation.
Notable people named Noah
- Noah, builder of the ark in Genesis
- Noah Webster, lexicographer
- Noah Baumbach, film director
How popular is Noah?
Popularity in the United States
Noah has been given to 433,983 babies in the United States since 1880, peaking in the 2010s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.
About 1 in 89 babies born in the United States were given this name in the most recent year on record.
Popularity in France
Noah has been given to 65,955 babies in France since 1976, peaking in the 2010s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.
Popularity in Spain
There are 7,478 people called Noah living in Spain, with an average age of 7.3.
Variants and related names
Other spellings: Noa, Noe, Noach
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Start swiping - it's freeFrequently asked questions about Noah
What does the name Noah mean?
Noah means Rest, comfort. It is of Hebrew origin.
Is Noah a boy's or a girl's name?
Noah is most often given to boys.
How do you pronounce Noah?
Noah is pronounced NOH-ə.
How popular is the name Noah?
Noah has been given to 433,983 babies in the United States since 1880, peaking in the 2010s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.
What are other spellings of Noah?
Common variants include Noa, Noe, Noach.