Jonah- would the unlucky thing bother you?

[CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair]

I love the name but am not sure if I can get over the unlucky association (although I think surviving being eaten by a whale is pretty lucky!).

I think it’s probably an older generation thing but I distinctly remember my nan calling people ‘Jonahs’ if she though they attracted bad luck and I’m sure DM would pass comment too.

Am I overthinking it or is this still very much a connection people will make?

I love Jonah. I do know the connotations but like others I very much think of it as a sailing / fisherman association. It would never stop me using it I don’t think.

I always wanted Jonah because it’s the bane of the little boy in Sleepless in Seattle and I’ve loved it since!

Jonah is gorgeous, I hadn't heard about the unlucky connotations until a few years ago but it wouldn't put me off using it one bit, it's too beautiful of a name not to use it!

I know the association but I don't think it would affect me choosing the name.

The song is definitely Jonah Man Jazz. The bit I remember well is:

When Jonah sank into the sea he closed his eyes and prayed,
"Oh Lord I'm very sorry that your word I've disobeyed,
And if you'll only come and save me then I'll do as you command,
Instead of treading water let me tread upon the land."

Jonah is a wonderful, strong name. Nothing unlucky about it at all.

Jonah Lomu would have been 48 today, what an amazing athlete.
Jonah in Sleepless in Seattle is so cute!

Eh, of all the literal books full of names, I wouldn't saddle a child with the ONE culturally regarded as unlucky. Even just Jonas if you're so in love with Jonah.

Goodness me this has unlocked a memory from a long time ago!
Go down, Jonah, deep in the ocean
Go down, Jonah, far from the shore!

And

Ninevah city was a city of sin
The jazzin and the jivin made a terrible din
Beat groups playing the rock n roll
And the Lord looked down and said "bless my soul"

Also had the classic line "saw Jonah sittin 'neath a pineapple tree" PINEAPPLES DONT GROW ON TREES!!

sorry for derailing OP. I still love the name Jonah!!

It’s a fantastic name! I have one and he’s the best! I always feel proud when I tell people his name.
although, I did get some really upsetting reactions when he was born and I very nearly changed it 😞 very glad I didn’t!

I wouldn't choose it.
Jonathan
Joshua
Jacob
Jasper
John
Jack

I've got a Jonah. Now an adult, just about!

To the best of my knowledge it's never been mentioned to him
His mates call him Joe which he never corrected but I do ( silently in my head).

It’s a nice name. I was aware of the story of him in a fish but not that it was associated with bad luck.

I’m more superstitious than I like to admit so learning about it, it might bother me but it really shouldn’t

It's a beautiful name, as is Jonas. I’ve taught a couple of each and have never made the 'unlucky' association, even though I was raised Catholic and am familiar with the bible story.

@CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair

I am curious, did you go with this name in the end?

OP, are you forgetting about the preceding and ending part of the story? It has nothing to do with luck at all. It's a nice name and if you like it you should use it.

@Persephone12 no, went with Gabriel in the end 😊

@Melodyy its less about the actual story and more the association.

Thank you for the update, OP!
Gabriel is a lovely name.

@CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair

Congratulations Gabriel is a lovely name 😌

My son's called Noah and I've yet to see him attempt to build a giant ark

I'd use it!

I’ve heard the unlucky thing. I’ve also heard it as Jonah the Loner.

@CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair

My son has just turned one and I chose his name last year, before he was born. It’s a name I’ve always loved. We didn’t tell anyone we thought we would just keep it for us; as we both loved it and didn’t care for anyone’s opinions or judgements whilst hoping for a healthy pregnancy.

I did discuss with my husband the association with bad luck and he instantly dismissed it. I also realised it was silly. Who actually really cares about any old fashioned religious connotations good or bad???

As it turned out our Jonah turned out to be our third time lucky IVF baby, born healthy happy and well. He’s definitely our lucky charm!

To anyone who’s worried about this and likes Jonah’s name don’t worry. All we ever get is compliments on what a lovely name we chose, and all he’s brought us is the best of luck and absolute joy 🩷

Congratulations @Persephone12, I’m so glad it worked out for you and little Jonah.

The name was still on our shortlist h til the day I gave birth, but when the midwife asked what his name was I just knew Gabriel was the right one for him. He was born in water and very narrowly avoided being born in the caul so maybe Jonah would have been fitting!

@CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair

Thank you lovely… I also had several others on a shortlist in case Jonah’s name just didn’t fit him… but as soon as I saw him I knew (how you did with Gabriel) that it just sat right. 😌

The other name we liked we put as his middle name. 🙂

I understand why you posted this post in the first place, we’ve had plenty of bad luck, so I would never want to put more on my son.

Also if you ever have another boy and do go for this name (or to anyone else considering this name) Jonah also means ‘Dove’ 🙂

Love to you and Gabriel and all the mummy’s and mummy-to-be’s out there😌 X

Gabriel is a lovely name. We considered that name for our boy but went with Caleb instead.

Hello! Did you use the name? I'm now asking the same question as I love the name and pregnant with a boy.

Jonah the loner is the only negative thing about the name for me. At school it would be said "he's a right Jonah" meaning he's got no friends. Kids are mean !