Surname Noah - Meaning and Origin
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Noah: What does the surname Noah mean?
The last name Noah is of Hebrew origin and was given to the father of Shem, Ham and Japheth in the Biblical tale of the Great Flood. It is also sometimes seen as a given name, although this is less common. The name is believed to come from the Hebrew root 'naham', which symbolises comfort and consolation. This connection is apt, considering the role Noah played in the Biblical account and his heroic efforts in saving the world's people and animals.
Noah has been an important figure in many religions, both directly and symbolically. In Christianity, he is seen as a symbol of divine grace and mercy in God’s judgement of the destructive flood. In Jewish culture, he is viewed as father of the human race and is praised for his faith in God and obedience to his commands.
Noah is today a popular name around the world and is said to represent growth, survival and endurance. Those carrying the name Noah are associated with traits such as calming, and helpfulness as well as loyalty and ambition.
Both the last name and the given name Noah are deeply infused with religious and spiritual symbolism. As such, it is understood to be a name that carries great honour. It is a name that is sure to stand the test of time and will remain a symbol of hope, faith and courage for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisNoah: Where does the name Noah come from?
The last name Noah is generally considered to be of Hebrew origin, so it is most commonly found in areas where Jewish communities are present. The United States and Israel, for example, have large numbers of people with the last name Noah. In the United States, it is particularly common in New York, where it ranked as the 151st most common last name in 2018. Other countries such as France, the United Kingdom, and Canada also have large numbers of people with the last name Noah.
The United States Census Bureau estimated that there were 57,181 people with the last name Noah living in the country in 2018. This means that it is one of the most common Jewish surnames in the United States. The last name Noah is also especially common in Israel, where it was the 28th most common surname in 2020.
The last name is usually Jewish in origin, although it is also found among some Christians. People with the last name Noah can trace their roots back to the biblical figure Noah, who is known for building the ark and surviving the great flood. As such, the name carries a great deal of significance in Jewish heritage and culture. Today, there are many prominent figures with the last name Noah, such as the comedian and writer Trevor Noah.
Variations of the surname Noah
The surname Noah is of Semitic origin and is derived from the biblical Hebrew name נֹחַ (Noach), meaning “Rest, Comfort.” It is also a variant of the given name “Noam.”
It has various spellings across the world, such as Noa, Noach, Noe, Noess, Noha, Nohe, Noach, Noh, Nohé, Nohah, Noahh, Nogh, Nohaa and Nohah.
In some countries, it is also spelt as Noach, Noa, Noachk or Noa. It is also anglicized to Knox or Nox.
Some variants of the surname Noah are Knoch, Nyx, Nokes, Noes, Noh, Nock, Nok, Nog, Knowles, Knowlton, Knowlsey, Noot and Knoll.
The surname Noe is derived from the French given name “Noé” and the French surname “Noes.” In the Hispanic and Latin American countries, the name is sometimes spelt as Noah or even Noë.
In Spain, it is more common to find Noah written as Noé. Other surnames derived from the same origin of Noah are Noxon, Noakes, Nokes, Noakes and Noh.
The Irish variant of the surname Noah is “Ó Nuabhu.” Finally, in the Jewish culture, the surname Noah is sometimes spelt as Noach, Noch or Nochum.
Famous people with the name Noah
- Trevor Noah: South African comedian, TV host, political commentator, and writer
- Wyclef Jean: Haitian rapper and political activist
- Mark Noah: former U.S. Navy SEAL and president of Military Around The Globe
- Brian Noah: former National Hockey League player
- Shemar Moore: actor and former model
- Sidney Poitier: Academy Award-winning Bahamian American actor
- Julianna Margulies: American actress
- Stephen Malkmus: American musician and lead singer of indie rock band Pavement
- Patrice O'Neal: American stand-up comedian
- Paul R. Noah Jr.: Retired United States Army Major General
- Kathy Najimy: American actress and comedian
- Luke Noah: former basketball player
- Noah Galvin: American stage and film actor
- Ryan Noah: American actor
- Justin Noah: American contemporary Christian music artist