Jonas
From Latin Iōnās, from Koine Greek Ἰωνᾶς (Iōnâs), from Biblical Hebrew יוֹנָה (yônâh, “dove”).
Every Jonas since 1880 — 28,588 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Jonas
Jonas is uncommon for boys in the United States, ranked #599 in 2025 with 476 babies given the name. It is currently holding steady compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 28,588 American babies have been named Jonas. Its peak came in 2008, when 1,256 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2000s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Jonas stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Jonas year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Girls | Girls rank | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — | 476 | #599 |
| 2024 | — | — | 534 | #556 |
| 2023 | — | — | 556 | #532 |
| 2022 | — | — | 540 | #553 |
| 2021 | — | — | 562 | #523 |
| 2020 | — | — | 609 | #486 |
| 2019 | — | — | 662 | #453 |
| 2018 | — | — | 704 | #433 |
| 2017 | — | — | 695 | #446 |
| 2016 | — | — | 821 | #388 |
| 2015 | — | — | 724 | #426 |
| 2014 | — | — | 566 | #498 |
| 2013 | — | — | 573 | #481 |
| 2012 | — | — | 589 | #464 |
| 2011 | — | — | 538 | #489 |
| 2010 | — | — | 595 | #449 |
| 2009 | — | — | 812 | #375 |
| 2008 | — | — | 1,256 | #274 |
| 2007 | — | — | 979 | #326 |
| 2006 | — | — | 861 | #353 |
| 2005 | — | — | 756 | #384 |
| 2004 | 5 | #17,321 | 577 | #449 |
| 2003 | — | — | 554 | #456 |
| 2002 | — | — | 584 | #423 |
| 2001 | — | — | 452 | #508 |
| 2000 | — | — | 444 | #511 |
| 1995 | — | — | 257 | #652 |
| 1990 | — | — | 178 | #762 |
| 1985 | — | — | 196 | #627 |
| 1980 | — | — | 341 | #455 |
| 1975 | — | — | 169 | #620 |
| 1970 | — | — | 193 | #580 |
| 1965 | — | — | 87 | #800 |
| 1960 | — | — | 70 | #907 |
| 1955 | — | — | 58 | #991 |
| 1950 | — | — | 64 | #858 |
| 1945 | — | — | 44 | #969 |
| 1940 | — | — | 52 | #879 |
| 1935 | — | — | 51 | #888 |
| 1930 | — | — | 77 | #715 |
| 1925 | — | — | 70 | #790 |
| 1920 | — | — | 84 | #708 |
| 1915 | — | — | 81 | #646 |
| 1910 | — | — | 18 | #720 |
| 1905 | — | — | 19 | #538 |
| 1900 | — | — | 31 | #408 |
| 1895 | — | — | 26 | #373 |
| 1890 | — | — | 22 | #380 |
| 1885 | — | — | 23 | #370 |
| 1880 | — | — | 28 | #323 |
Famous people named Jonas
- Jonas Salk Physician · 1914–1995
- Jonas Savimbi Military personnel · 1934–2002
- Jonas Mekas Writer · 1922–2019
- Jonas Lie Writer · 1833–1908
- Jonas Furrer Politician · 1805–1861
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jonas mean?
From Latin Iōnās, from Koine Greek Ἰωνᾶς (Iōnâs), from Biblical Hebrew יוֹנָה (yônâh, “dove”).
How popular is the name Jonas in 2025?
Jonas ranked #599 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 476 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Jonas?
28,588 babies have been named Jonas in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Jonas most popular?
Jonas peaked in 2008, when 1,256 newborns received the name.
Is Jonas a boy or girl name?
Jonas is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Jonas rising or falling?
Jonas has been roughly stable over the past decade.
Who are famous people named Jonas?
Well-known people named Jonas include Jonas Salk (physician), Jonas Savimbi (military personnel), Jonas Mekas (writer).