Nathanael
Nathanael is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning “Gift of God”, pronounced nuh-THAN-ee-el. It ranked #632 in the United States in 2025, given to 442 babies, and peaked at #406 in 1998. Common nicknames: Nate, Nat, Nathan.
How popular is Nathanael 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 Nathanael mean, and where does it come from?
Nathanael is the Greek New Testament spelling of the Hebrew Netan'el, "God has given," and the form used in John's Gospel for the disciple usually identified with Bartholomew. English has split it in two: Nathaniel with an i is the common spelling, Nathanael with an a the older and rarer one. American records hold this version from 1915; it entered the top thousand in 1972 and is rising again now. Both forms shorten to Nate, and both carry the same plain statement of thanks.
How is Nathanael used around the world?
Nathanael is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Nathanael?
Famous People Named Nathanael
- Nathanael Greene — American general of the Revolutionary War
- Nathanael West — American novelist, author of The Day of the Locust
- Nathanael Pringsheim — German botanist and founder of modern algology
Similar Names to Nathanael
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Sibling Name Ideas for Nathanael
Looking for names that pair well with Nathanael? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Nathanael mean?
Nathanael is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Gift of God." Nathanael is the Greek New Testament spelling of the Hebrew Netan'el, "God has given," and the form used in John's Gospel for the disciple usually identified with Bartholomew. English has split it in two: Nathaniel with an i is the common spelling, Nathanael with an a the older and rarer one.
How do you pronounce Nathanael?
Nathanael is pronounced nuh-THAN-ee-el. Common variations include Nathaniel, Natanael, Nathanaël.
Is Nathanael a boy name?
Yes, Nathanael is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Nate, Nat, Nathan.