Nathan Name Meaning

Lastest Updated June 7, 2024
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Fact: Nathan Fillion, known for his role in the TV show “Castle,” is a well-known actor with this name

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A Deep Dive

Nathan Overview

Meaning

Given, he gave, gift of God

Gender

Boy

Origin

Hebrew

Etymology

Derived from the Hebrew name “Natan,” meaning “he gave” or “gift from God.”

Religion

Christianity, Judaism

Pronunciation

/ˈneɪθən/

Popularity

Nathan is a popular name in many countries, particularly in English-speaking regions. Ranked 59th most popular name in USA in 2023.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

6 letters

Numerology

22 (Influential, Visionary, Powerful)

Name Styles

Classic, Religious and Spiritual, Traditional, Cute

Associated Traits

Strong, dependable, intelligent, compassionate

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Nathan is a significant biblical figure, known as a prophet during the reigns of King David and King Solomon.

Name Day

August 24th
A Deep Dive

Nathan Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Nathaniel, Nathanael, Natan, Nate, Nathin

Common Nicknames

Nate, Nat, Natey, Nay

Diminutives

Naty, Natty, N

Famous People

  • Nathan Fillion
    (Canadian-American Actor)
  • Nathan Lane
    (American Actor)
  • Nathan Bedford Forrest
    (American General)
  • Nathan Adrian
    (American Swimmer)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • "Nathan for You"
    (TV Series)
  • Nathan Petrelli
    ("Heroes," TV Series)
  • Nathan Hale
    ("1776," Musical)
  • Nathan Algren
    ("The Last Samurai," Film)
  • Nathan Arizona
    ("Raising Arizona," Film)

Places

  • Nathan City
    (Queensland, Australia)
  • Fort Nathan Hale Park
    (Connecticut, USA)
  • Nathan Road
    (Hong Kong, China)
  • Nathan Creek
    (British Columbia, Canada)
  • Nathan Benderson Park
    (Florida, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Nathan?

Nathan means “gift of God,” “He gave,” or “given” in Hebrew. This name often evokes a sense of generosity and kindness, suggesting a person who is considerate and supportive.

What Is the Origin of The Name Nathan?

Nathan originates from Hebrew. It is derived from the Hebrew name “Natan,” meaning “to give” or “gift.” The name appears in the Bible, most notably associated with the prophet Nathan, who advised King David, lending it a historical and religious significance.

Nathan Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Nathan in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#592021#572022#592023
Top 3 Rankings#202004#202005#212008

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Nathan

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
202359
(-2 from 2022)
5049
(-482 from 2022)
0.27573
202257
(+2 from 2021)
5531
(+104 from 2021)
0.29531
202159
(-4 from 2020)
5427
(-271 from 2020)
0.28966
202055
No change from 2019
5698
(-385 from 2019)
0.30805
201955
(-7 from 2018)
6083
(-765 from 2018)
0.31653
201848
(-3 from 2017)
6848
(-591 from 2017)
0.35231
201745
(-2 from 2016)
7439
(-558 from 2016)
0.37587
201643
(-5 from 2015)
7997
(-600 from 2015)
0.39479
201538
No change from 2014
8597
(-395 from 2014)
0.42051
201438
(-7 from 2013)
8992
(-728 from 2013)
0.43880
201331
(-2 from 2012)
9720
(-710 from 2012)
0.48102
201229
(-1 from 2011)
10430
(-90 from 2011)
0.51400
201128
(-1 from 2010)
10520
(-858 from 2010)
0.51787
201027
(-2 from 2009)
11378
(-754 from 2009)
0.55383
200925
(-4 from 2008)
12132
(-1128 from 2008)
0.57202
200821
(+3 from 2007)
13260
(-341 from 2007)
0.60814
200724
(-1 from 2006)
13601
(-677 from 2006)
0.61402
200623
(-3 from 2005)
14278
(-85 from 2005)
0.65126
200520
No change from 2004
14363
(-269 from 2004)
0.67516
200420
(+6 from 2003)
14632
(+965 from 2003)
0.69236
200326
(+2 from 2002)
13667
(+442 from 2002)
0.65045
200228
(+3 from 2001)
13225
(+578 from 2001)
0.63992
200131
(-1 from 2000)
12647
(-392 from 2000)
0.61144
200030
(+2 from 1999)
13039
(+502 from 1999)
0.62438
199932
(+2 from 1998)
12537
(+952 from 1998)
0.61486
199834
No change from 1997
11585
(+1142 from 1997)
0.57135
199734
(+3 from 1996)
10443
(+159 from 1996)
0.52273
199637
(+2 from 1995)
10284
(-22 from 1995)
0.51324
199539
(+1 from 1994)
10306
(-75 from 1994)
0.51239
199440
(+1 from 1993)
10381
(+184 from 1993)
0.50928
199341
(+3 from 1992)
10197
(+47 from 1992)
0.49368
199244
(-2 from 1991)
10150
(-346 from 1991)
0.48352
199142
(+2 from 1990)
10496
(-440 from 1990)
0.49517
199044
(-1 from 1989)
10936
(+29 from 1989)
0.50817
198943
(+1 from 1988)
10907
(+755 from 1988)
0.52038
198844
(+1 from 1987)
10152
(+242 from 1987)
0.50702
198745
(-2 from 1986)
9910
(-86 from 1986)
0.50815
198643
(-3 from 1985)
9996
(-656 from 1985)
0.52017
198540
(-2 from 1984)
10652
(+38 from 1984)
0.55352
198438
(+2 from 1983)
10614
(+58 from 1983)
0.56557
198340
(-4 from 1982)
10556
(-249 from 1982)
0.56643
198236
No change from 1981
10805
(-452 from 1981)
0.57255
198136
No change from 1980
11257
(+118 from 1980)
0.60444
198036
(+1 from 1979)
11139
(+418 from 1979)
0.60056
197937
(-1 from 1978)
10721
(+830 from 1978)
0.59850
197836
No change from 1977
9891
(+3 from 1977)
0.57889
197736
(+3 from 1976)
9888
(+1277 from 1976)
0.57846
197639
(+6 from 1975)
8611
(+1543 from 1975)
0.52744
197545
(+7 from 1974)
7068
(+1223 from 1974)
0.43565
197452
(+11 from 1973)
5845
(+1110 from 1973)
0.35853
197363
(+16 from 1972)
4735
(+1221 from 1972)
0.29344
197279
(+25 from 1971)
3514
(+466 from 1971)
0.20991
1971104
(+26 from 1970)
3048
(+503 from 1970)
0.16767
1970130
(+24 from 1969)
2545
(+637 from 1969)
0.13361
1969154
(+9 from 1968)
1908
(+253 from 1968)
0.10431
1968163
(+17 from 1967)
1655
(+223 from 1967)
0.09322
1967180
(-1 from 1966)
1432
(+9 from 1966)
0.08048
1966179
(+2 from 1965)
1423
(+5 from 1965)
0.07829
1965181
(+8 from 1964)
1418
(-81 from 1964)
0.07484
1964189
(+5 from 1963)
1499
(-43 from 1963)
0.07395
1963194
(+4 from 1962)
1542
(+11 from 1962)
0.07469
1962198
(+1 from 1961)
1531
(+40 from 1961)
0.07285
1961199
(-9 from 1960)
1491
(-136 from 1960)
0.06912
1960190
(+17 from 1959)
1627
(+250 from 1959)
0.07514
1959207
(+7 from 1958)
1377
(+138 from 1958)
0.06356
1958214
(+1 from 1957)
1239
(+14 from 1957)
0.05750
1957215
(+7 from 1956)
1225
(+126 from 1956)
0.05596
1956222
(+10 from 1955)
1099
(+149 from 1955)
0.05121
1955232
(-7 from 1954)
950
(-9 from 1954)
0.04545
1954225
(+12 from 1953)
959
(+153 from 1953)
0.04635
1953237
(-8 from 1952)
806
(-45 from 1952)
0.04026
1952229
(-7 from 1951)
851
(-19 from 1951)
0.04313
1951222
(+21 from 1950)
870
(+118 from 1950)
0.04551
1950243
(+8 from 1949)
752
(+92 from 1949)
0.04135
1949251
(+12 from 1948)
660
(+40 from 1948)
0.03663
1948263
(+10 from 1947)
620
(+3 from 1947)
0.03478
1947273
(-2 from 1946)
617
(+60 from 1946)
0.03322
1946271
(-4 from 1945)
557
(+69 from 1945)
0.03375
1945267
(-5 from 1944)
488
(-19 from 1944)
0.03558
1944262
(-18 from 1943)
507
(-74 from 1943)
0.03650
1943244
(+9 from 1942)
581
(+58 from 1942)
0.03994
1942253
(-10 from 1941)
523
(-4 from 1941)
0.03714
1941243
No change from 1940
527
(+31 from 1940)
0.04200
1940243
(+3 from 1939)
496
(+28 from 1939)
0.04182
1939246
(-14 from 1938)
468
(-48 from 1938)
0.04130
1938232
(+26 from 1937)
516
(+82 from 1937)
0.04540
1937258
(-15 from 1936)
434
(-30 from 1936)
0.03968
1936243
(+5 from 1935)
464
(-4 from 1935)
0.04360
1935248
(-3 from 1934)
468
(-1 from 1934)
0.04375
1934245
(+14 from 1933)
469
(+56 from 1933)
0.04416
1933259
(-16 from 1932)
413
(-73 from 1932)
0.04048
1932243
(+15 from 1931)
486
(+44 from 1931)
0.04523
1931258
(-24 from 1930)
442
(-98 from 1930)
0.04132
1930234
(+5 from 1929)
540
(+27 from 1929)
0.04781
1929239
(-4 from 1928)
513
(-35 from 1928)
0.04632
1928235
(-25 from 1927)
548
(-88 from 1927)
0.04802
1927210
(-4 from 1926)
636
(-33 from 1926)
0.05474
1926206
(+13 from 1925)
669
(+54 from 1925)
0.05841
1925219
(-15 from 1924)
615
(-65 from 1924)
0.05341
1924204
(-17 from 1923)
680
(-59 from 1923)
0.05817
1923187
(-2 from 1922)
739
(-10 from 1922)
0.06527
1922185
(+1 from 1921)
749
(-2 from 1921)
0.06657
1921186
(-14 from 1920)
751
(-64 from 1920)
0.06600
1920172
(-16 from 1919)
815
(-34 from 1919)
0.07404
1919156
(-6 from 1918)
849
(-96 from 1918)
0.08362
1918150
(-2 from 1917)
945
(+64 from 1917)
0.09012
1917148
(-5 from 1916)
881
(-23 from 1916)
0.09184
1916143
(-4 from 1915)
904
(-12 from 1915)
0.09792
1915139
(-15 from 1914)
916
(+68 from 1914)
0.10398
1914124
(+3 from 1913)
848
(+233 from 1913)
0.12410
1913127
(-7 from 1912)
615
(+34 from 1912)
0.11469
1912120
(-12 from 1911)
581
(+233 from 1911)
0.12869
1911108
(+27 from 1910)
348
(+103 from 1910)
0.14416
1910135
(-7 from 1909)
245
(+36 from 1909)
0.11750
1909128
(+9 from 1908)
209
(+31 from 1908)
0.11817
1908137
(-1 from 1907)
178
(+2 from 1907)
0.10699
1907136
(+3 from 1906)
176
(+28 from 1906)
0.11098
1906139
(-9 from 1905)
148
(-20 from 1905)
0.10273
1905130
(+18 from 1904)
168
(+37 from 1904)
0.11729
1904148
(-20 from 1903)
131
(-15 from 1903)
0.09458
1903128
(+7 from 1902)
146
(+3 from 1902)
0.11290
1902135
(-8 from 1901)
143
(+12 from 1901)
0.10772
1901127
(-2 from 1900)
131
(-55 from 1900)
0.11333
1900125
(+16 from 1899)
186
(+74 from 1899)
0.11473
1899141
(+25 from 1898)
112
(+13 from 1898)
0.09723
1898166
(-47 from 1897)
99
(-40 from 1897)
0.07494
1897119
(+31 from 1896)
139
(+29 from 1896)
0.11399
1896150
(-14 from 1895)
110
(-9 from 1895)
0.08523
1895136
(-11 from 1894)
119
(-8 from 1894)
0.09397
1894125
(+6 from 1893)
127
(+13 from 1893)
0.10169
1893131
(-13 from 1892)
114
(-30 from 1892)
0.09418
1892118
(+12 from 1891)
144
(+38 from 1891)
0.10955
1891130
No change from 1890
106
(-4 from 1890)
0.09701
1890130
(-14 from 1889)
110
(-11 from 1889)
0.09190
1889116
(+7 from 1888)
121
(-8 from 1888)
0.10165
1888123
(+1 from 1887)
129
(+23 from 1887)
0.09930
1887124
(-10 from 1886)
106
(-30 from 1886)
0.09697
1886114
(+18 from 1885)
136
(+33 from 1885)
0.11425
1885132
(+8 from 1884)
103
(+3 from 1884)
0.08884
1884140
(-8 from 1883)
100
(+7 from 1883)
0.08147
1883132
(-8 from 1882)
93
(-20 from 1882)
0.08269
1882124
(+12 from 1881)
113
(+22 from 1881)
0.09260
1881136
(-21 from 1880)
91
(-23 from 1880)
0.08404
1880115
First SSA data recorded
114
First SSA data recorded
0.09628

American States Popularity Rankings for Nathan

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#332021#312022#382023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#512021#452022#462023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#1082021#962022#872023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#662021#742022#592023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#492021#442022#452023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#522021#472022#612023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#1152021#962022#1002023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#352021#352022#502023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#1112021#1182022#992023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#1532021#1272022#1002023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#752021#692022#842023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#1522021#1452022#1252023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#422021#402022#382023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#522021#562022#532023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#662021#662022#492023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#1032021#832022#832023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#1152021#1492022#1302023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#1312021#1052022#1372023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#1042021#972022#1142023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#862021#782022#1112023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#1492021#952022#2132023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#922021#932022#912023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#342021#252022#302023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#1342021#1182022#962023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#302021#252022#362023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#1032021#932022#952023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#1342021#1152022#1452023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#782021#732022#762023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#1182021#1132022#1322023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#1172021#1322022#1512023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#892021#1102022#1012023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#412021#352022#452023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#1332021#1472022#862023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#1442021#1822022#2852023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#1102021#2262022#1362023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#1552021#1402022#1932023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#1812021#712022#1242023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#1132021#1012022#1182023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#662019#1252020#1022021

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#572021#462022#722023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#672021#1052022#862023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#2022021#1912022#682023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#872021#442022#472023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#942021#1222022#1062023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#1082021#1012022#802023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1082021#2172022#1002023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1052021#382022#502023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#562021#582022#1002023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#822014#812017#552021

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#252021#572022#342023

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#1392017#692021#762023

Popularity Rankings for Nathan in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Philippines

Philippines flagPhilippines#42020#52021#52022

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#62020#72021#102022

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#162021#182022#262023

Popularity in France

France flagFrance#162020#192021#252022

Popularity in Belgium

Belgium flagBelgium#172020#192021#232022

Popularity in Other American Territories

American Samoa flag American Samoa
Guam flag Guam
Northern Mariana Islands flag Northern Mariana Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands flag U.S. Virgin Islands

Other American Territories flagOther American Territories#612018#372019#342020

Popularity in Italy

Italy flagItaly#442020#372021#392022

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico#382021#432022#572023

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#402020#482021#442022

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#592021#482022#602023

Popularity in Greenland

Greenland flagGreenland#672019#572020#552021

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#622021#592022#612023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#762021#822022#702023

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#812015#922016#842018

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#1202021#852022#982023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#1042019#1112020#992021

Popularity in Iceland

Iceland flagIceland#1552021#2942022#1852023

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#1582021#1552022#1612023

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#1722021#1902022#1802023

Popularity in Austria

Austria flagAustria#2002019#1832020#1782021

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#2652021#2342022#2972023

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#2932022#2572023

Popularity in Mexico

Mexico flagMexico#4482020

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Nathan a Name for Boys or Girls?

Nathan is a name for boys. Its strong biblical roots and long-standing use for males make it a common and traditional choice for boys.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Nathan

Nathan in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Nathan Hale (Revolutionary, 1755–1776): An American soldier and spy for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, known for his famous last words, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."
  • Nathan Fillion (Actor, born 1971): A Canadian-American actor known for his roles in "Firefly" and "Castle."
  • Nathan Lane (Actor, born 1956): An American actor and comedian known for his roles in "The Birdcage" and "The Producers."
  • Nathan Bedford Forrest (General, 1821–1877): A Confederate general during the American Civil War and a controversial figure in American history.
  • Nathan Adrian (Swimmer, born 1988): An American competitive swimmer and five-time Olympic gold medalist.
  • Nathan Sykes (Singer, born 1993): A British singer and former member of the boy band The Wanted.
  • Nathan East (Bassist, born 1955): An American jazz, R&B, and rock bass guitarist and a founding member of the contemporary jazz group Fourplay.
  • Nathan Chen (Figure Skater, born 1999): An American figure skater and Olympic gold medalist known for his remarkable achievements in the sport.
  • Nathan Scott ("One Tree Hill," 2003 TV Series): A high school basketball star dealing with personal and professional challenges.
  • Nathan Drake ("Uncharted," 2007 Video Game Series): A treasure hunter with a knack for uncovering ancient mysteries and surviving perilous adventures.
  • "Nathan for You" (2013 TV Series): A comedy series where Nathan Fielder uses his business degree to help struggling companies with absurd strategies.
  • Nathan Petrelli ("Heroes," 2006 TV Series): A politician with the ability to fly, struggling with his responsibilities and powers.
  • Nathan Hale ("1776," 1972 Musical): A musical number about the American patriot and spy.
  • Nathan Algren ("The Last Samurai," 2003 Film): An American military officer who becomes involved in the Samurai Rebellion in Japan.
  • Nathan Arizona ("Raising Arizona," 1987 Film): A furniture store owner whose son is kidnapped by a desperate couple.
  • Nathan Detroit ("Guys and Dolls," 1955 Film): A gambler trying to find a venue for his floating craps game while avoiding marriage.
  • Nathan Wallace ("Repo! The Genetic Opera," 2008 Film): A doctor by day and a repo man by night in a dystopian future where organs are repossessed.
  • Nathan Grantham ("Creepshow," 1982 Film): A vengeful corpse in the horror anthology.
  • Nathan James ("The Last Ship," 2014 TV Series): The captain of a naval destroyer trying to save humanity from a global pandemic.
  • Nathan Radley ("To Kill a Mockingbird," 1960 Novel): The reclusive brother of Boo Radley, representing mystery and fear.
  • Nathan City (Queensland, Australia): A suburb of Brisbane, known for Griffith University and Toohey Forest Conservation Park.
  • Fort Nathan Hale Park (Connecticut, USA): A historic park in New Haven, dedicated to the American Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale.
  • Nathan Road (Hong Kong, China): A major thoroughfare in Kowloon, famous for its shopping, dining, and vibrant nightlife.
  • Nathan Creek (British Columbia, Canada): A creek in the Fraser Valley region, known for its picturesque surroundings and salmon habitat.
  • Nathan Benderson Park (Florida, USA): A park in Sarasota renowned for its rowing facilities and outdoor recreational activities.

Similar Names to Nathan