Gender: Predominantly male, though increasingly used for girls
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Rest,” “Comfort,” or “Peace”
Pronunciation: NOH-uh
Meaning of the Name Noah
Noah comes from the Hebrew name “Noach” (נוֹחַ), derived from the root word meaning “rest” or “comfort.” In biblical context, Noah’s father Lamech chose this name saying, “This one will bring us relief from our work and the painful toil of our hands.” The name carries connotations of peace, respite, and tranquility.
Historical Significance of Noah
Noah is most famously known from the Bible as the righteous man who built an ark to save his family and pairs of animals from a great flood. This story appears not only in Judaism but also in Christianity and Islam, making Noah a figure of cross-cultural significance. The name has been used for centuries across many cultures, with consistent popularity in Western societies.
Common Nicknames for Noah
- No
- Nono
- Noey
- Noe
- Noby
How Popular Is Noah?
Noah has experienced remarkable popularity in recent decades. In the United States, it reached the #1 position for boys’ names from 2013 to 2016, and has remained in the top 5 since then. In other English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK, Noah consistently ranks among the top 10 boys’ names. Its popularity transcends cultural boundaries, appearing on top name lists in diverse countries worldwide.
Famous People Named Noah
- Noah Centineo (Actor known for “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”)
- Noah Wyle (Actor known for “ER” and “The Librarians”)
- Noah Schnapp (Actor from “Stranger Things”)
- Noah Cyrus (Singer and younger sister of Miley Cyrus)
- Noah Baumbach (Film director and screenwriter)
- Noah Webster (American lexicographer who created Webster’s Dictionary)
Fictional Characters Named Noah
- Noah Calhoun (Main character in “The Notebook” by Nicholas Sparks)
- Noah Bennett (Character from the TV series “Heroes”)
- Noah Flynn (Character in “The Kissing Booth” films)
- Noah Levenstein (Character played by Eugene Levy in “American Pie”)
- Noah Percy (Character in the film “The Village”)
Noah in Literature and Pop Culture
Noah appears prominently across various media. Beyond the biblical narrative, the name features in contemporary literature like “The Notebook.” In film and television, characters named Noah often embody reliability and emotional depth. The name gained additional visibility through Noah Calhoun in “The Notebook,” both the novel and its film adaptation. In music, Noah has been referenced in various songs across genres, from folk ballads to modern pop.
Personality Traits Associated with Noah
People named Noah are often perceived as:
- Reliable and dependable
- Compassionate and caring
- Patient and deliberate
- Peaceful mediators
- Creative thinkers
- Natural leaders with quiet confidence
These associations likely stem from the biblical Noah’s characteristics of righteousness, patience, and determination.
Similar Names to Noah
- Nolan
- Jonah
- Micah
- Elijah
- Liam
- Ethan
- Owen
Alternate Spellings for Noah
- Noe (French version)
- Noé (Spanish version)
- Noa (Gender-neutral version, more common for girls)
- Noach (Traditional Hebrew spelling)
- Nuh (Arabic version)
Pronunciation Variations Around the World
- English: NOH-uh
- French: no-AH
- Spanish: NO-ah
- German: NO-ah
- Hebrew: NO-akh
Parents Who Like Noah Also Like
- Liam
- Ethan
- Elijah
- Lucas
- Benjamin
- Gabriel
- Caleb
- Jacob
Baby Name Lists That Include Noah
- Classic Biblical Names
- Short and Sweet Names
- Names with Positive Meanings
- Popular Boys’ Names of the 2010s
- Nature-Inspired Names
- Names That Work Internationally
- One-Syllable Middle Names
Noah for Both Genders
While traditionally a male name, Noah has seen increasing use for girls, especially in the United States. The spelling “Noa” is more commonly used for girls in some countries, particularly Israel, where it has separate origins as a female name. When used for girls, Noah often evokes qualities of strength paired with gentleness.
Sibling Name Ideas
For Brothers:
- Elijah
- Jacob
- Ethan
- Benjamin
- Samuel
For Sisters:
- Emma
- Hannah
- Leah
- Abigail
- Grace
Names with the Same Meaning as Noah
- Noam (Hebrew: “pleasantness”)
- Jonah (Hebrew: “dove,” symbolizing peace)
- Pax (Latin: “peace”)
- Shalom (Hebrew: “peace”)
- Solomon (Hebrew: “peaceful”)
- Frederick (Germanic: “peaceful ruler”)
First Impressions of Noah
Noah typically creates impressions of:
- Warmth and approachability
- Timeless elegance without feeling dated
- Intelligence and thoughtfulness
- Reliability and trustworthiness
- Balance between strength and gentleness
Celebrity Babies Named Noah
- Michael Bublé and Luisana Lopilato’s son
- Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green’s son
- Billy Ray Cyrus’s son
- Alessandra Ambrosio’s son
- James Van Der Beek’s son
Songs About Noah
- “Noah” by Amber Run
- “Noah’s Ark” by CocoRosie
- Various songs referencing the biblical Noah and the ark
- “Noah” by Bob Marley (references the biblical story)
- “Noah’s Song” by Declan Galbraith
Famous Quotes About Noah
“Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.” – Genesis 6:9
“Be like Noah. Build your future on higher ground.” – Anonymous
“Noah did not stop building the ark to explain himself to everyone who doubted and hated his vision.” – Anonymous
Noah in Different Languages
- Hebrew: נוֹחַ (Noach)
- Arabic: نوح (Nuh)
- French: Noé
- Spanish: Noé
- Italian: Noè
- Russian: Ной (Noi)
- Japanese: ノア (Noa)
Name Combinations for Noah
As a First Name:
- Noah James
- Noah Alexander
- Noah Benjamin
- Noah Gabriel
- Noah Thomas
As a Middle Name:
- James Noah
- Ethan Noah
- William Noah
- Charles Noah
- Benjamin Noah
Comments from Parents of Children Named Noah
“We chose Noah because it’s classic without being old-fashioned. Our son is now 5, and the name suits his calm but determined personality perfectly.”
“Noah was the only name my husband and I agreed on. It works well internationally, which was important as we travel often.”
“People always comment on what a beautiful name Noah is. It’s popular but doesn’t feel overused in our community.”
“Our daughter Noah stands out with her name. We loved its meaning of peace and rest, which we hoped would influence her character.”
“Noah has been the perfect name for our son—short, strong, and with such positive associations. We’ve never regretted our choice.”