Jonas

Traditionally linked to the Hebrew word for ‘dove’.

Jonas is a widely used masculine name across Europe, with particularly strong visibility in German-speaking countries. It’s short, easy to spell, and feels firmly established rather than trendy. The name is commonly connected to Jonah: Jonas corresponds to forms that go back to the Hebrew name Yonah, traditionally linked to the word for ‘dove’. In biblical tradition, Jonah is a prophet figure, and that religious-literary presence helped the name travel through Greek and Latin into many modern languages. In English, a practical guide is JOH-nuhs (two syllables). In German contexts you may hear YOH-nahs, with a clearer initial “y” sound; if pronunciation matters, confirming the local preference is the easiest path.

Etymology: Jonas corresponds to forms of Jonah, ultimately from Hebrew Yonah. In biblical tradition, Jonah is a prophet figure, which helped spread the name across languages.