The name Noah has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture, traced back to biblical times. It derives from the Hebrew word "noach," meaning "rest" or "repose." The name is most famously associated with the biblical figure Noah, the righteous man who built an ark to save his family and a pair of every animal species during the Great Flood, as recounted in the Book of Genesis.

In the Old Testament, Noah is portrayed as a patriarch who found favor with God due to his righteousness. He is celebrated for his obedience and faith in following divine instructions to construct the ark, which ultimately preserved life on Earth after the devastating flood. The name Noah has thus become a symbol of salvation, perseverance, and new beginnings.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Noah can be traced back to ancient Hebrew texts, including the Torah and other biblical scriptures. Throughout history, the name has been embraced by various cultures and religions, particularly within the Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, where Noah is revered as a significant prophet.

Several notable historical figures have borne the name Noah. One of the earliest was Noah Webster (1758-1843), an American lexicographer renowned for publishing the first comprehensive dictionary of the English language. Another prominent Noah was Noah Haynes Swayne (1804-1884), an American jurist who served as a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

In the realm of literature, Noah Gordon (1926-2021) was an American novelist best known for his historical fiction works, including "The Physician" and "The Last Jew." Noah Lukeman (born 1975) is a contemporary American author and literary agent, celebrated for his books on the craft of writing.

In the field of music, Noah Kalina (born 1980) is an American photographer and video artist, renowned for his innovative time-lapse self-portrait project spanning over a decade. Noah Preminger (born 1986) is a contemporary American saxophonist and composer who has gained recognition for his contributions to the jazz genre.