Noah is a name of Hebrew origin that means "rest, comfort." It is derived from the Hebrew name Noach, which was borne by the protagonist of the biblical flood story in the Book of Genesis. According to the Bible, Noah built an ark and saved his family and pairs of every living creature from the great flood sent by God to cleanse the Earth.
The name Noah has been used throughout history and has gained popularity in recent years. It was the fourth most popular boys' name in the United States in 2019, according to the Social Security Administration's data on baby names.
Noah is also a popular name in other countries such as England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In France, it has become increasingly popular in recent years, ranking among the top 50 boys' names since 2010.
The popularity of the name Noah can be attributed to its biblical origin and positive connotations. It is often associated with concepts such as peace, tranquility, and hope. Moreover, its short length and simplicity make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a classic yet modern name for their child.
The popularity of the name Noah has seen significant fluctuations over time in the United States. In the early to mid-twentieth century, it was relatively uncommon, with only six babies named Noah in 1931 and five in 1961.
However, starting from the late 1970s, there was a gradual increase in its popularity. The number of births annually rose from seven in 1977 to nine in 1978, reaching double digits with ten births in 1979.
This upward trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s. By 1983, there were eighteen babies named Noah, peaking at forty-three births in 1996. Despite a slight dip in popularity during the late 1990s and early 2000s, with numbers ranging between thirty-six to sixty-four births per year, Noah's popularity began to rise again from 2004 onwards.
The years 2015 to 2023 marked a significant surge in popularity for the name Noah. From 137 births in 2015, it jumped to an impressive 219 in 2019, and continued to climb to 308 in 2020 and a remarkable 418 in 2021. The trend continued into 2022 with 478 births, and most recently, 456 babies were named Noah in 2023.
In total, from 1931 to 2023, there have been approximately 4,005 babies named Noah in the United States. This illustrates a notable increase in popularity over time, with Noah now ranking among one of the most popular boy's names in recent years.