As a boys name, Noah is derived from the Hebrew name Noach (נ ֹ ַח), meaning "rest" or "repose". It is a Biblical name, as Noah is the figure from the Abrahamic faiths who built the ark that saved himself, his family, and the animals from the Flood. The name Noah can also be used as a girls name, although in this case it can be traced back to a different Hebrew word meaning "motion" (No’ah - נ ֹ ָעה). As a male name, it was first used in England following the Protestant Reformation. It has been rising in popularity since the beginning of the 21st century and is currently at its peak.