Find out how popular the first name Noah has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Noah by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Noah is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Noah being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 18,995 male babies and 456 female babies born with the name Noah.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 456 baby girls were named Noah in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Noah

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.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Noah was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Noah, please contact us.

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