NOAH

ETYMOLOGY: This male name, Noah (pronounced NO-ah), is Hebrew in origin.

ORIGIN & HISTORY: The name, Noah, appears in the Holy Bible, in the book of Genesis. It is, therefore, associated with both Christianity & Judaism. This is where the meaning, comfort, is found. Genesis Chap.5, Vs. 29, "And he called his name Noah, saying "This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground the Lord hath cursed." Other meanings include rest, long-lived, repose,& wandering.

POPULARITY: The name, Noah, has risen in popularity since 1992, when it ranked 219. The most dramatic increases were between the years 1992 & 1996. By 2006, Noah took 15th place in popularity.

FACTS: There were 88 people with the surname Noah who arrived at Ellis Island.

Songs with the name include Noah Freestyle (Lil' Flip), Noah's Dove (10,000 Maniacs), and Noah (Harry Belafonte).

NAMESAKES: Noah's Bagels operates in Walnut Creek, California and in Golden, Colorado, and is a registered trademark of Einstein/Noah Bagel Corp.

Noah's Pals are beautifully hand-painted animal figures, and the ark, offered by Divine Inspirations Books and Gifts.

There are numerous children's books and films about Noah and the Arc. Noah's Ark (Picture Yearling Book) by Peter Spier won the prestigious Caldecott Award.

Tony Danza starred in a film called Noah.

FAMOUS PERSONS:

Noah Webster was an American educator, author, lexicographer, & journalist. Noah Webster (Oct. 16, 1758-May 28, 1843) was a descendant of John Webster, Governor of Connecticut (1656-1657). Noah Webster, most famous for his dictionary, also wrote an English translation of the Bible. Noah Webster is known as the "the father of the American dictionary."

Dr. Noah Efron is an historian of science and religion. Dr Efron is a professor at Bar Ilan University. Dr. Efron instituted a new graduate program in the history and philosophy of science. Other universities where Dr. Efron has taught include Harvard University Graduate School of Education, Tel Aviv University, and the Jerusalem affiliate of the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Chief Noah Seattle, (born si?al, 178?-1866), led the Duwamish and Suquamish Tribes. His name is frequently and erroneously called Sealth. Since there is no "th" sound in his native language, Lushootseed, it is presumed that his name (written as Shealth on his grave marker), was done so to make it easier to pronounce. Chief Noah Seattle & those first Euro-American settlers came to the greater Seattle area in the 1850s. The city is, of course, named for him.

Noah Wyle, born June 4, 1971, is a prolific American actor. He won the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for: "ER" in 1997, 1998, & 1999. His first acting role in the 1985 Tab Hunter film, Lust in the Dust, wasn't credited. Noah Wyle's most recent performance is in Nothing But the Truth, in preproduction in 2008.

Noah Beery, Jr. (August 10, 1913-November 1, 1994) was a well-known & well-liked character actor who was nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys! He appeared in such television shows as Love Boat & Trapper John, M.D.

Noah Beery, Sr. (Jan.17, 1882-Apr.1, 1946) made his debut in The Mark of Zorro in Nov, 1920). His last film appearance was in Million Dollar Kid (Feb. 18, 1944). His half-brother was Wallace Beery.

Noah Dietrich was the chief executive officer of the Howard Hughes empire from 1925 - 1957.

NAME VARIANTS: Noach (Hebrew)