The name Jonas is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Biblical name Yonah, which means "dove" or "peace." It is thought to have first appeared in the 8th century BCE.

The name Jonas gained popularity due to its appearance in the Old Testament, where it is the name of a prophet who was swallowed by a giant fish or whale. The story of Jonah and the whale is a well-known biblical tale that has been retold throughout history.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jonas can be found in the Bible's Book of Jonah, which is believed to have been written sometime between the 8th and 4th centuries BCE. In this book, Jonah is a prophet who is called by God to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh.

In the New Testament, the name Jonas is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew, where it is used to refer to the prophet Jonah. This reference suggests that the name was still in use during the time of Jesus Christ.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Jonas. One of the earliest was Jonas Hallgrimsson, an Icelandic poet and naturalist who lived from 1807 to 1845. He is considered one of the founders of Icelandic literary romanticism.

Another notable Jonas was Jonas Salk (1914-1995), an American medical researcher who developed the first successful polio vaccine in 1955. His work saved countless lives and helped eradicate the disease in many parts of the world.

In the world of art, Jonas Mekas (1922-2019) was a Lithuanian-American filmmaker, poet, and artist who was a pivotal figure in the American avant-garde film movement. He co-founded the Anthology Film Archives, a renowned repository of avant-garde cinema.

Jonas Kaufmann (born 1969) is a German operatic tenor who is widely regarded as one of the greatest opera singers of his generation. He has performed at major opera houses around the world and has received numerous awards and accolades for his performances.

Finally, Jonas Svensson (born 1963) is a Swedish businessman and entrepreneur who co-founded the popular music streaming service Spotify. He has played a significant role in shaping the modern music industry and how people consume music.