Noah: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, & Inspiration

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1. Home
2. Baby Names

Noah

Noah comes from the Babylonian word "nukhu", meaning "repose" or "rest."

+ 2% this year Neutral Common

Tara Rhiannon Dawn Gunn, BA, MFA

| Updated: March 25, 2025

Tara Rhiannon Dawn Gunn, BA, MFA

| Updated: March 25, 2025 Table of contents

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Noah mean and stand for?

Meaning:

• Hebrew: Rest, comfort
• Biblical: The patriarch of the Ark

Gender: Male

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Noah is pronounced no-uh

The name Noah has been derived from the biblical figure by the same name, and comes from the Babylonian word "nukhu" meaning repose or rest. It can also be derived from the Hebrew word "nahum" meaning to comfort. It is a popular Old Testament name and is widely associated with Noah's Ark.

Boy name variations

Noa Noe Noach Noel Noam

How Popular Is The Name Noah

Family name origins & meanings

English, German, and Jewish (Sephardic and Israeli): from the Biblical personal name Noah (see Noe).

English: probably a variant spelling of Noar, a topographic name derived from misdivision of the Middle English phrase atten ore "at the bank or steep slope" (Old English ōra).

Famous people with this first name

Noah Wylie

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Alessandra Ambrosio Brian Austin Green Jo Dee Messina Megan Fox Robert Blake

Noah in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share the first name?

• Noah Calhoun from The Notebook - A passionate and determined young man who falls deeply in love with Allie Hamilton.
• Noah Puckerman from Glee - A high school student known for his rebellious attitude and mohawk hairstyle.
• Noah Bennet from Heroes - A complex character working for a mysterious company; he is also known as "HRG" or "Horn-Rimmed Glasses."
• Noah Foster from Scream (TV Series) - A smart and nerdy teenager with a deep knowledge of horror movie tropes.
• Noah Curtis from 2012 - The young son of the main characters who survives the global disaster depicted in the film.

Popularity of the Name Noah

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Noah has been extremely popular in the United States, consistently placing within the top two names for boys since 2013. Specifically, it claimed the number one spot from 2013 to 2016, showcasing its widespread appeal across the country.

The name Noah has ancient roots, with its most notable bearer being the biblical Noah, a pivotal figure known for constructing the ark that saved his family and a pair of every animal species from the Great Flood. Over the years, several historical figures, actors, writers, and fictional characters have borne the name, contributing to its popularity.

Notable Noahs include actor Noah Wyle, known for his role in the television series ER, and Noah Webster, an American lexicographer renowned for compiling the first American dictionary. Fictional characters named Noah have also appeared in popular media, such as Noah Calhoun in the novel and film adaptation The Notebook, which further solidified the name's place in popular culture.

Where Is the Name Noah Popular?

This name is most popular across certain states in the U.S., including those highlighted on the map below.

Nicknames for Noah

These shortened names can make great nicknames for your baby.

• No
• Noey

Noah Pairs Well With These Middle Names

Looking for a middle name that fits perfectly? Consider these!

Elias Gavin James Reid Sage

Appears On

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People Who Like the Name Noah Also Like

Check out these names that are similar, but still unique to your baby.

Caleb Elijah Ethan Jonah Liam

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