Meaning, origin, history
The name Onan is of Hebrew origin and means "strength." It appears in the Bible as the second son of Judah, one of Jacob's twelve sons who are the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel. According to the story in Genesis 38:4-10, Onan refused to fulfill his brother Er's obligation to provide offspring through his wife Tamar. As a result, God took his life.
Despite its biblical origins and meaning, the name Onan is not particularly popular today. It has not made it into the top lists of baby names in recent years. However, for those who are interested in biblical history or Hebrew culture, naming a child Onan could be seen as a unique way to honor that heritage.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Onan since 1880
Total births
33
Total since 1880
Peak year
2023
9 births
in 2023
9
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years