Jonathan
Jonathan is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning “Gift of God”, pronounced juh-NAH-thun. It ranked #89 in the United States in 2025, given to 3,822 babies, and peaked at #15 in 1988. Common nicknames: Jon, Jonny, Nathan.
How popular is Jonathan in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Jonathan mean, and where does it come from?
Jonathan comes from the Hebrew name Yehonatan, meaning "gift of God" or "Yahweh has given." In the Old Testament, Jonathan was the son of King Saul and the devoted best friend of David, and their bond is often cited as a model of loyal friendship. The name has been used steadily throughout Christian and Jewish history and became especially fashionable in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. Jonathan combines biblical gravity with a warm, versatile sound suited to any era.
How is Jonathan used around the world?
Jonathan is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 9+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Jonathan?
Famous People Named Jonathan
- Jonathan Swift — Irish satirist and author of Gulliver's Travels
- Jonathan Toews — Canadian former NHL captain
- Jonathan Van Ness — American television personality
Similar Names to Jonathan
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Sibling Name Ideas for Jonathan
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Jonathan mean?
Jonathan is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Gift of God." Jonathan comes from the Hebrew name Yehonatan, meaning "gift of God" or "Yahweh has given." In the Old Testament, Jonathan was the son of King Saul and the devoted best friend of David, and their bond is often cited as a model of loyal friendship.
How do you pronounce Jonathan?
Jonathan is pronounced juh-NAH-thun. Common variations include Jonathon, Johnathan, Yonatan.
Is Jonathan a boy name?
Yes, Jonathan is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Jon, Jonny, Nathan.