Nathan

He gave — a boy name of Hebrew origin

GenderBoy
OriginHebrew
MeaningHe gave
PronunciationNAY-thun

Popularity of Nathan in the United States

#63Rank in 2025
4,975Births in 2025
#20 in 2004Peak Popularity
↓ Declining10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Nathan

Nathan is a Hebrew name meaning "he gave" or "gift of God," derived from the verb "natan" (to give). In the Bible, Nathan was a prophet who served as an advisor to King David and played a crucial role in ensuring Solomon's succession to the throne. The name has been used continuously in Jewish and Christian communities for millennia. Nathan has remained steadily popular in the English-speaking world since the 17th century, valued for its strong biblical heritage and straightforward, masculine sound.

Nathan Around the World

Nathan is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 3+ international variants.

Languages
EnglishDutch
Details

TypeMale given name

International Variants
NateEnglish
Nosson
Natan

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Nathan

NateNat

Famous People Named Nathan

  • Nathan Hale — American Revolutionary War hero and spy
  • Nathan Lane — American actor known for The Birdcage and Broadway
  • Nathan Chen — American Olympic gold medal figure skater

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Sibling Name Ideas for Nathan

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Nathan mean?

Nathan is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "He gave." Nathan is a Hebrew name meaning "he gave" or "gift of God," derived from the verb "natan" (to give). In the Bible, Nathan was a prophet who served as an advisor to King David and played a crucial role in ensuring Solomon's succession to the throne.

How do you pronounce Nathan?

Nathan is pronounced NAY-thun. Common variations include Natan, Nathon, Nathen.

Is Nathan a boy name?

Yes, Nathan is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Nate, Nat.

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