Alternatives to Noah

  1. Jude
    • Origin:

      Latin diminutive of Judah, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "praised"
    • Description:

      Jude is a modern star, maintaining a steady level of popularity -- but not TOO much popularity, in the US at least. Thank Jude Law and the great Lennon-McCartney song "Hey Jude", double-handedly responsible for propelling Jude up the charts.
  2. Kainoa
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "the namesake; sea of freedom"
    • Description:

      Intriguing Hawaiian option that combines the sounds two popular boy names—Kai and Noah — but is in a name in its own right, not a newly created compound name — and is pronounced just slightly differently. The name has two possible meanings: from the elements kai and noa it means "sea of freedom", whereas from ka and inoa, it means "the name(sake)".
  3. Koa
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "warrior; flowing tree native to Hawaii"
    • Description:

      The international popularity of Noah has led to some parents searching for alternatives and the rhyming Koa is now attracting more attention than ever. With it's cool K initial and summery, nature-inspired feel, this punchy three letter name has risen more than 600 places since it entered the US charts in 2017.
  4. Koah
    • Origin:

      Variation of Koa, Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "warrior"
    • Description:

      It was only a matter of time before the Koa-Noah mashup came around. Koah is rising quickly and could be a future member of the Top 1000.
  5. Leo
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "lion"
    • Description:

      Leo is a strong-yet-friendly name that was common among the Romans, used for thirteen popes, and is now at its highest point ever in the US thanks in part to Leonardo "Leo" DiCaprio.
  6. Leon
    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Leo
    • Meaning:

      "lion"
    • Description:

      Currently overshadowed by the bright and lively Leo, Leon feels a slightly more serious, more quietly confident than its short and trending counterpart.
  7. Liam
    • Origin:

      Irish short form of William
    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection"
    • Description:

      Liam is the top boys' name in the US, holding the Number 1 spot for the past seven years and also ranking as one of the most popular boys' names around the western world.
  8. Micah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "who is like the Lord"
    • Description:

      The bright, playful Micah feels like the middle ground between the safe, solid qualities of Michael and the flair and energy of Luca. Both Biblical and stylish, Micah is proving popular among parents today.
  9. Nahma
    • Origin:

      Native American
    • Meaning:

      "sturgeon"
    • Description:

      Fish -- or caviar -- lover's choice, though it would tend to sound like a girl's name.
  10. Nainoa
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "the namesakes"
    • Description:

      An uncommon elaboration on the popular Noa sound, this Hawaiian name was traditionally given as a third name where the first two names were honor names.
  11. Nakia
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "pure"
    • Description:

      Attractive name, but it does sound feminine. Some have changed it to Nakari. Although it does not make the U.S. Top 1000, Nakia is among the ten fastest-rising names for both boys and girls.
  12. Nakoa
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "the warriors"
    • Description:

      Nakoa is a Top 100 name for boys in Hawaii. It became more widely known after actors Lisa Bonet and Jason Mamoa chose it for their son.
  13. Nashua
    • Origin:

      Place name from Penacook
    • Meaning:

      "beautiful stream with a pebbly bottom"
    • Description:

      The name of a city in New Hampshire which takes its name from the Nashua River, named by the Indigenous Algonquian tribe the Nashuway or Nashua. A striking alternative to Joshua.
  14. Nasiah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "miracle of God"
    • Description:

      An unusual member of the popular -iah ending clan.
  15. Nata
    • Description:

      Nata is a versatile masculine name with multicultural origins. In Slavic countries, particularly Russia, it functions as a diminutive of Natalia or Natasha, though these are typically feminine names. In Spanish and Portuguese-speaking regions, Nata derives from Natanael or Nathaniel, meaning "gift of God." The name also appears in various African cultures with distinct local meanings. Its brevity and easy pronunciation make it accessible across language boundaries. While uncommon as a standalone masculine name in Western countries, Nata's international presence has given it modest recognition. The name's simple phonetic structure and cross-cultural versatility contribute to its appeal for parents seeking a brief yet meaningful name that works well globally.
  16. Nehmia
    • Description:

      Nehmia is a masculine name representing a variant spelling of Nehemiah, which derives from Hebrew origins meaning 'comforted by God' or 'God consoles.' The biblical Nehemiah was a significant figure who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. This alternative spelling maintains the spiritual significance while offering a slightly simplified orthography. Nehmia remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality while still connecting to its biblical heritage. The name carries connotations of leadership, restoration, and spiritual comfort. Its melodic three-syllable pronunciation (ne-HEM-ia) creates a gentle rhythm. Appealing to families seeking names with religious significance but a contemporary feel, Nehmia bridges traditional biblical naming traditions with a subtly modern spelling variation.

  17. Niria
    • Description:

      Niria is typically a feminine name, though it appears listed as masculine in some collections. This melodic name may have multiple origins, potentially deriving from the Greek 'Nereis,' referring to sea nymphs in mythology, or possibly having roots in Native American or Spanish traditions. The name could also be a variation of Nerea, which comes from Greek meaning 'water nymph.' Niria remains quite rare in most countries, giving it an air of distinction and uniqueness. With its flowing sound created by the soft consonants and open vowel sounds, Niria has a lyrical, almost musical quality. The name evokes images of water and nature, suggesting a peaceful, harmonious character. Its international sound makes it work well across cultural boundaries while maintaining its distinctive feel.

  18. Noab
    • Origin:

      Ethiopian, Amharic
    • Meaning:

      "pleasant"
    • Description:

      More distinctive than Noah or Jacob, but equally as approachable, Noab has potential as a fresh crossover into English-speaking world. An Amharic name meaning "pleasant", Noab can also mean "Ethiopian king".
  19. Noadiah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "meeting with the Lord"
    • Description:

      Noadiah has biblical namesakes both male and female. The male Noadiah is mentioned in the Book of Ezra, and the female Noadiah is a prophetess in the Book of Nehemiah. Noadiah combines popular Noah with the Old Testament ending seen in modern choice biblical names like Jeremiah and Zachariah.
  20. Noam
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "pleasantness, charm, tenderness"
    • Description:

      Noam is an underused modern Hebrew name with any number of attractive attributes attached to its meaning; it doesn't have the biblical weight of Noah, but could make a more distinctive alternative to that popular choice. Noam is a Top 10 boys' name in Israel.