נֹחַ
Noach / Noah
“Rest/comfort”
Noah (נֹחַ, Noach) is a Hebrew boy's name meaning “rest/comfort,” pronounced “NO-akh.” From the Hebrew root נ-ו-ח (nun-vav-chet) meaning 'to rest.' His father Lamech connected the name to the root נ-ח-ם (nacham, 'to comfort'), creating a dual etymology of rest and consolation.
| Hebrew | נֹחַ |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Noach |
| English Name | Noah |
| Meaning | Rest/comfort |
| Pronunciation | NO-akh |
| Gender | Boy |
| Category | Male Biblical Names |
| Variants | Noach, Noe, Nuh, Noé |
| Key Scripture | Genesis 6:9 |
In a world so corrupt that God regretted making humanity, one man 'found favor in the eyes of the LORD' (Genesis 6:8). Noah — Noach in Hebrew — means 'rest' or 'comfort,' and his father Lamech prophesied at his birth: 'He will comfort us in the labor and painful toil of our hands' (Genesis 5:29). That comfort came through catastrophic means — a flood that destroyed everything — but Noah's ark became the vessel through which God preserved life itself and reset creation. His name, meaning rest, became the hinge point between the old world and the new.
Key Scripture: Genesis 6:9
“Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.”
What Does Noah Mean in Hebrew?
From the root נ-ו-ח (nun-vav-chet) meaning 'to rest, to settle down.' Related to 'menucha' (resting place) and 'nachat' (satisfaction). Lamech's naming speech plays on the similar root נ-ח-ם (nacham, 'to comfort/console'), giving the name a double meaning of 'rest' and 'comfort.'
Noah in the Bible
Noah was a righteous man who walked with God in a generation of total wickedness. He obeyed God's command to build an ark, preserving his family and representatives of every animal species through the global flood. After the flood, God established a covenant with Noah symbolized by the rainbow, and gave humanity a fresh start.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
The Noah narrative appears in all three Abrahamic faiths: Judaism (Torah), Christianity (Bible), and Islam (Quran, where he is Nuh). The rainbow as God's covenant sign has become a universal symbol. In Jewish tradition, the 'Noahide Laws' — seven universal moral principles given to Noah — are considered binding on all humanity.
Noah has been the #1 boys' name in the United States multiple times in recent years, and it ranks among the most popular names across Europe, Australia, and Canada. In Israel, Noach is less common as a given name but deeply familiar through the Torah narrative. Its popularity transcends religious boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Noah
What does Noah mean in Hebrew?
Noah (נֹחַ, Noach) means “Rest/comfort” in Hebrew. From the Hebrew root נ-ו-ח (nun-vav-chet) meaning 'to rest.' His father Lamech connected the name to the root נ-ח-ם (nacham, 'to comfort'), creating a dual etymology of rest and consolation.
How do you pronounce Noah in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Noah is “NO-akh.” The name is written נֹחַ in Hebrew script.
What does Noah mean in Hebrew?
Noah (נֹחַ, Noach) means 'rest' or 'comfort' in Hebrew, from the root נ-ו-ח (nun-vav-chet) meaning 'to rest.' His father Lamech named him with a prophecy: 'He will comfort us in the labor and painful toil of our hands caused by the ground the LORD has cursed' (Genesis 5:29). The name encodes both the promise of rest and the consolation of a new beginning.
Why is Noah so popular as a baby name?
Noah has surged to become the #1 boys' name in multiple countries due to its pleasant sound, easy pronunciation across languages, strong biblical associations with righteousness and new beginnings, and cross-cultural appeal (recognized in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). Its short, modern feel combined with ancient depth makes it universally appealing.
What are the Noahide Laws?
The seven Noahide Laws are universal moral principles that Jewish tradition derives from God's covenant with Noah. They include prohibitions against idolatry, blasphemy, murder, theft, sexual immorality, and eating flesh from a living animal, plus the requirement to establish courts of justice. These are considered binding on all of humanity, not just Jews.
Sources & Further Study
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