Nathaniel
Nathaniel is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning “Gift of God”, pronounced nuh-THAN-yul. It ranked #140 in the United States in 2025, given to 2,565 babies, and peaked at #60 in 1998. Common nicknames: Nate, Nat, Than.
How popular is Nathaniel 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 Nathaniel mean, and where does it come from?
Nathaniel is derived from the Hebrew name Netanel, composed of "natan" (he gave) and "el" (God), meaning "gift of God" or "God has given." In the New Testament, Nathaniel (also identified as Bartholomew) was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. The name became particularly popular among English Puritans in the 17th century and was carried to colonial America. Nathaniel Hawthorne, the celebrated author of The Scarlet Letter, brought lasting literary prestige to the name. It remains a dignified alternative to the shorter Nathan.
How is Nathaniel used around the world?
Nathaniel is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 5+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Nathaniel?
Famous People Named Nathaniel
- Nathaniel Hawthorne — American novelist who wrote The Scarlet Letter
- Nat King Cole — American singer and jazz pianist (born Nathaniel)
- Nathaniel Rateliff — American singer-songwriter and musician
Similar Names to Nathaniel
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Sibling Name Ideas for Nathaniel
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Nathaniel mean?
Nathaniel is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Gift of God." Nathaniel is derived from the Hebrew name Netanel, composed of "natan" (he gave) and "el" (God), meaning "gift of God" or "God has given." In the New Testament, Nathaniel (also identified as Bartholomew) was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
How do you pronounce Nathaniel?
Nathaniel is pronounced nuh-THAN-yul. Common variations include Nathanael, Natanael, Nataniel.
Is Nathaniel a boy name?
Yes, Nathaniel is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Nate, Nat, Than.