Noah 2

I find it interesting that the feminine version of Noah is opposite in meaning from the masculine version. It turns out it's all in the phlegm. Noah, or Noach (m), comes from the word nuach, which means "to rest." Meanwhile Noah/No'ah (f) comes from the word nua, which means, "to quiver, wave, tremble." The -ah suffix is commonly used in Hebrew to denote femininity. Adding a -ch to "motion" turns it into "rest." Go figure.

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The feminine form of Noah(1) would probably be something like Noachah, Noakah, or Nocah (transliterated, of course). The masculine form of Noah(2) would probably simply be Noa. Of course, Hebrew boys have been given seemingly feminine names before. Take Jonah, for example.

Most people seem to get confused because it appears English translators have got it mixed up. Noah for the masculine should be close spelled to Noak (pronounced No-ack) and the feminine of the same name in Hebrew Noah (No-a 'long a').

Noah was the youngest daughter of Zelophahad, who died without any male heir. His five daughters requested, against custom, to inherit their father's lands. After consulting with God, Moses agreed that it was their right; thus the daughters of Zelopahahd gained their reputation as the first known feminists in history. (The other four daughters were Mahlah, Hoglah, Milkah and Tirzah.)