Jonas (name)

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Jonas is a common male name in many Western world countries and Northeast Africa. It is primarily used as a first name, but also occurs as a surname. It is particularly frequent in Germany, Israel, Ethiopia, the Netherlands, Flanders and Scandinavia. It is also the most common name in Lithuania; however, in Lithuania, the name Jonas is derived from the Hebrew Yohanan as opposed to Jonah.

Its widespread use and popularity has roots in its Jewish and Christian origins. As a surname, it is often Jewish, whilst as a first name it is mostly used in countries where Christianity is the main religion, especially in Scandinavian countries, Celtic countries, and Germany. In Turkish, Arabic, Persian and the Muslim world the equivalent name is Yunus (یونس) or Yunas or Younes/Younis. In North America the name found popularity among Métis and Aboriginals in the Northwest.