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[Opinions] Jonah vs. Noah
I realized that Jonah really doesn't have that different of a feel from Noah, but Noah seems less religious than Jonah. Why is that? Is it just because Noah has been a popular name for a while and Jonah has never been in the top ten (as far as I know)? Which do you prefer, Jonah or Noah? What would you use as a middle name? Hmm. Your ideas are intriguing to me, and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.
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I, personally, prefer Jonah. Noah as a name is comely and timeless, but it certainly has worn out its welcome a bit. It's a good name with a good meaning, and I wouldn't mind giving it to a child. But maybe it's too popular. I know, that shouldn't discourage me, but I feel like it's lost on the world. Now it's a name that every third person in my class has, so it's a memorable name, but not in a particularly memorable way. If you want to name your child Noah, go for it.Jonah symbolizes peace and prosperity. It doesn't try too hard to fit in or stand out. It's a classic name with a modern feel, and it's neither trendy nor obscure. It's satisfying to say out loud and write on paper, in the same way that Noah is. Opinion is subjective. Whether you prefer Jonah or Noah, it doesn't really matter because they are both excellent names.
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I don't perceive Jonah as being more religious than Noah. I relate its use to pop culture as much as I would to the bible. But FYI, I perceive Elijah (though not Eli) as more religious than Jonah, and that's in the top 10.I prefer Noah. I like it, and I never particularly liked Jonah.Noah Caradoc

This message was edited 8/4/2023, 7:59 PM

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I think it’s just because Noah is more common it seems less religious. I think I prefer Noah, but I’m pretty neutral to them.
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If it was for my own son I would choose Noah with Benjamin as the middle name. Pretty safe. Jonah does seem more religious to me even though Noah’s Biblical story is probably more well known around the world by both religious and non-religious people. Jonah Paul seems to work well as a combo.
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Noah, but i'm biased lol.
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Perhaps because every small child knows about Noah's Ark and might well have a toy one. This focuses on play and pleasure, not on the gloomier kind of religion that the unfortunate Jonah has bequeathed us. Jonah wouldn't be my choice, but I do like Joe as a nn. Noah ... it starts very firmly with 'No!', which puts me right off.
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?? I thought God flooding the world sounded pretty gloomy when I was a kid. Getting eaten by a whale and surviving sounds like an adventure.

This message was edited 8/4/2023, 7:59 PM

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Yeah, same here. Certainly sounds like an adventure to me. 😆😅
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I really like them, and have coincidentally used both names for two different characters of mine.
Both are solid classics, but I think I enjoy Jonah a little bit more. It's not as common and also has better nickname options, such as Joey. 🙂
I understand why others may prefer Noah more. It seems more "mainstream" than the underused Jonah, and yes, also less religious, although I have never viewed Jonah as an overly religious name. (Not unlike Josiah, for example)
I have known 2, maybe 3 Jonah's in my life and neither one came from a heavily religious background, including this kid I had a massive crush on during the 6th grade. Middle name ideas: Jonah Damian
Jonah Paul
Jonah Gregory
Jonah Oliver
Jonah EverettNoah Elliot
Noah Alexander
Noah Thomas
Noah Charles
Noah Dominic
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I like Noah, it used to be one of my favorites and at some point I also thought I’d use it and might have done so if my surname didn’t also start with No-.I don’t reellt like Jonah. It’s more religious as you said. It also reminds me of Jonah Hill and he’s a bit too much for me.
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It probably is due to Noah being much more widely used than Jonah.
I like them both about equally, though Jonah has the advantage of being able to use Joe for a nn. I don't really like Joseph, but like Joe, so Jonah and Josiah are what I'd consider if I wanted a little Joe.Jonah PatrickJonah RobertJonah FrankJonah Charles
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