Nathaniel: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and More

Fact: The name Nathaniel has various international forms, including Nathanael in French and Natanael in Spanish.

Nathaniel Overview

Meaning

Gift of God, God has given

Gender

Boy

Origin

Hebrew

Etymology

Derived from the Hebrew name “Netan’el,” meaning “gift of God.”

Religion

Christianity, Judaism

Pronunciation

/ˈnæθ.ən.jəl/

Popularity

Nathaniel is a well-known name globally, often used in English-speaking countries. Recently, Nathaniel has ranked within the top 150 names for boys in the USA.

Syllable

3 syllables

Length

9 letters

Numerology

3 (Expressive, Social, Artistic)

Name Styles

Religious and Spiritual, Classic, Traditional, Long

Associated Traits

Intelligent, dependable, thoughtful, compassionate

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Nathaniel is a biblical name, known as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, also referred to as Bartholomew in the New Testament.

Name Day

August 24th

Nathaniel Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Nathan, Nathanial, Nathanael, Nathanel, Nataniel, Natanael

Common Nicknames

Natie, Natty, Natey, Than, Thanny

Diminutives

Nate, Nat, Nathan, Neil, Niel

Famous People

Nathaniel Hawthorne
(American Author)
Nathaniel Philbrick
(American Author)
Nathaniel Rateliff
(American Musician)
Nathaniel Parker
(British Actor)
Nathaniel Bacon
(American Colonist)
Nathaniel Buzolic
(Australian Actor)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

Nathaniel Ayers
("The Soloist," Film)
"Nathaniel Hawthorne"
(Author)
Nathaniel Fisher
("Six Feet Under," TV Series)
Nathaniel Archibald
("Gossip Girl," TV Series)
"Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats"
(Band)

What Is the Meaning of Nathaniel?

Nathaniel means “gift of God” or “God has given.” Those with the name Nathaniel are often perceived as wise and thoughtful, embodying a sense of generosity and insightfulness.

What Is the Origin of The Name Nathaniel?

The name Nathaniel has Hebrew roots, originating from the Hebrew name “Netan’el.” It has a long history of use, particularly in religious contexts, and became widely known through the biblical figure Nathaniel, one of the apostles of Jesus.

Nathaniel Name Popularity

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

United States	#1382022	#1432023
Top 3 Rankings	#601998	#612000	#612001

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Nathaniel

Year	Name Ranking	Number of Births	Birth Rate (%)
2023	143 (-5 from 2022)	2507 (-185 from 2022)	0.13691
2022	138 (-5 from 2021)	2692 (-127 from 2021)	0.14373
2021	133 (-8 from 2020)	2819 (-103 from 2020)	0.15046
2020	125 (-2 from 2019)	2922 (-167 from 2019)	0.15797
2019	123 (-7 from 2018)	3089 (-300 from 2018)	0.16074
2018	116 (-4 from 2017)	3389 (-147 from 2017)	0.17435
2017	112 (-9 from 2016)	3536 (-348 from 2016)	0.17867
2016	103 (-6 from 2015)	3884 (-348 from 2015)	0.19174
2015	97 (-3 from 2014)	4232 (-84 from 2014)	0.20700
2014	94 (-3 from 2013)	4316 (-219 from 2013)	0.21062
2013	91 (-7 from 2012)	4535 (-259 from 2012)	0.22443
2012	84 No change from 2011	4794 (-184 from 2011)	0.23625
2011	84 (-3 from 2010)	4978 (-130 from 2010)	0.24505
2010	81 (-6 from 2009)	5108 (-318 from 2009)	0.24864
2009	75 (+2 from 2008)	5426 (-430 from 2008)	0.25583
2008	77 (+5 from 2007)	5856 (-210 from 2007)	0.26857
2007	82 (-13 from 2006)	6066 (-560 from 2006)	0.27385
2006	69 (-2 from 2005)	6626 (-63 from 2005)	0.30223
2005	67 (+1 from 2004)	6689 (+14 from 2004)	0.31443
2004	68 (-5 from 2003)	6675 (+9 from 2003)	0.31585
2003	63 (-1 from 2002)	6666 (-147 from 2002)	0.31725
2002	62 (-1 from 2001)	6813 (+168 from 2001)	0.32966
2001	61 No change from 2000	6645 (-152 from 2000)	0.32126
2000	61 (+1 from 1999)	6797 (+331 from 1999)	0.32548
1999	62 (-2 from 1998)	6466 (+39 from 1998)	0.31712
1998	60 (+5 from 1997)	6427 (+652 from 1997)	0.31697
1997	65 (+4 from 1996)	5775 (+356 from 1996)	0.28907
1996	69 (+4 from 1995)	5419 (+216 from 1995)	0.27045
1995	73 (+5 from 1994)	5203 (+174 from 1994)	0.25868
1994	78 (-3 from 1993)	5029 (+175 from 1993)	0.24672
1993	75 (+4 from 1992)	4854 (+167 from 1992)	0.23500
1992	79 (+5 from 1991)	4687 (+320 from 1991)	0.22328
1991	84 (+2 from 1990)	4367 (+20 from 1990)	0.20602
1990	86 (-2 from 1989)	4347 (+227 from 1989)	0.20200
1989	84 (-2 from 1988)	4120 (+66 from 1988)	0.19657
1988	82 (-4 from 1987)	4054 (+4 from 1987)	0.20247
1987	78 No change from 1986	4050 (+19 from 1986)	0.20767
1986	78 (-1 from 1985)	4031 (+26 from 1985)	0.20976
1985	77 (+3 from 1984)	4005 (+403 from 1984)	0.20812
1984	80 (-1 from 1983)	3602 (-39 from 1983)	0.19193
1983	79 (-4 from 1982)	3641 (-297 from 1982)	0.19538
1982	75 (+5 from 1981)	3938 (+219 from 1981)	0.20867
1981	80 (+6 from 1980)	3719 (+227 from 1980)	0.19969
1980	86 (+9 from 1979)	3492 (+452 from 1979)	0.18827
1979	95 (-1 from 1978)	3040 (+115 from 1978)	0.16971
1978	94 (+13 from 1977)	2925 (+426 from 1977)	0.17119
1977	107 (+7 from 1976)	2499 (+289 from 1976)	0.14620
1976	114 (+17 from 1975)	2210 (+253 from 1975)	0.13537
1975	131 (+22 from 1974)	1957 (+348 from 1974)	0.12062
1974	153 (+16 from 1973)	1609 (+218 from 1973)	0.09870
1973	169 (+23 from 1972)	1391 (+183 from 1972)	0.08620
1972	192 (+8 from 1971)	1208 (-3 from 1971)	0.07216
1971	200 (+18 from 1970)	1211 (+76 from 1970)	0.06662
1970	218 (+13 from 1969)	1135 (+144 from 1969)	0.05959
1969	231 (+4 from 1968)	991 (+69 from 1968)	0.05418
1968	235 (-9 from 1967)	922 (-55 from 1967)	0.05193
1967	226 (+9 from 1966)	977 (+74 from 1966)	0.05491
1966	235 (-12 from 1965)	903 (-168 from 1965)	0.04968
1965	223 (+14 from 1964)	1071 (+48 from 1964)	0.05653
1964	237 (-4 from 1963)	1023 (-2 from 1963)	0.05047
1963	233 (+1 from 1962)	1025 (-61 from 1962)	0.04965
1962	234 (+10 from 1961)	1086 (+38 from 1961)	0.05167
1961	244 (-6 from 1960)	1048 (-96 from 1960)	0.04859
1960	238 (-2 from 1959)	1144 (-12 from 1959)	0.05283
1959	236 (-2 from 1958)	1156 (+49 from 1958)	0.05336
1958	234 (-21 from 1957)	1107 (-154 from 1957)	0.05137
1957	213 (-8 from 1956)	1261 (-50 from 1956)	0.05761
1956	205 (-9 from 1955)	1311 (-19 from 1955)	0.06108
1955	196 (+7 from 1954)	1330 (+101 from 1954)	0.06363
1954	203 (-11 from 1953)	1229 (-39 from 1953)	0.05940
1953	192 (-3 from 1952)	1268 (+11 from 1952)	0.06333
1952	189 (-2 from 1951)	1257 (+10 from 1951)	0.06370
1951	187 (-5 from 1950)	1247 (+25 from 1950)	0.06523
1950	182 (-3 from 1949)	1222 (+29 from 1949)	0.06719
1949	179 (+1 from 1948)	1193 (+34 from 1948)	0.06620
1948	180 (+7 from 1947)	1159 (+59 from 1947)	0.06501
1947	187 (-1 from 1946)	1100 (+123 from 1946)	0.05922
1946	186 (-5 from 1945)	977 (+124 from 1945)	0.05920
1945	181 (+3 from 1944)	853 (-11 from 1944)	0.06220
1944	184 (+7 from 1943)	864 (+24 from 1943)	0.06220
1943	191 (-3 from 1942)	840 (-2 from 1942)	0.05775
1942	188 (-6 from 1941)	842 (+13 from 1941)	0.05979
1941	182 (-6 from 1940)	829 (-4 from 1940)	0.06606
1940	176 (+7 from 1939)	833 (+63 from 1939)	0.07023
1939	183 (+3 from 1938)	770 (+21 from 1938)	0.06794
1938	186 No change from 1937	749 (+46 from 1937)	0.06590
1937	186 (-7 from 1936)	703 (-35 from 1936)	0.06428
1936	179 (+1 from 1935)	738 (-9 from 1935)	0.06934
1935	180 (-6 from 1934)	747 (-35 from 1934)	0.06984
1934	174 (+4 from 1933)	782 (+54 from 1933)	0.07364
1933	178 (-2 from 1932)	728 (-53 from 1932)	0.07136
1932	176 (+23 from 1931)	781 (+122 from 1931)	0.07269
1931	199 (-14 from 1930)	659 (-95 from 1930)	0.06160
1930	185 (-1 from 1929)	754 (-6 from 1929)	0.06675
1929	184 (+9 from 1928)	760 (+32 from 1928)	0.06862
1928	193 (-6 from 1927)	728 (-41 from 1927)	0.06379
1927	187 (-11 from 1926)	769 (-52 from 1926)	0.06618
1926	176 (+2 from 1925)	821 (+11 from 1925)	0.07168
1925	178 (+1 from 1924)	810 (+10 from 1924)	0.07035
1924	179 (+14 from 1923)	800 (+79 from 1923)	0.06843
1923	193 (-18 from 1922)	721 (-79 from 1922)	0.06368
1922	175 (+12 from 1921)	800 (+52 from 1921)	0.07110
1921	187 (-21 from 1920)	748 (-89 from 1920)	0.06573
1920	166 (+8 from 1919)	837 (+89 from 1919)	0.07604
1919	174 (+19 from 1918)	748 (+87 from 1918)	0.07367
1918	193 (-4 from 1917)	661 (+21 from 1917)	0.06303
1917	189 (+4 from 1916)	640 (+50 from 1916)	0.06671
1916	193 (+4 from 1915)	590 (+36 from 1915)	0.06391
1915	197 (-12 from 1914)	554 (+84 from 1914)	0.06289
1914	185 (+16 from 1913)	470 (+133 from 1913)	0.06878
1913	201 (-38 from 1912)	337 (-19 from 1912)	0.06284
1912	163 (-2 from 1911)	356 (+149 from 1911)	0.07886
1911	161 (-22 from 1910)	207 (-25 from 1910)	0.08575
1910	139 (+33 from 1909)	232 (+89 from 1909)	0.11126
1909	172 (-13 from 1908)	143 (-7 from 1908)	0.08085
1908	159 (+15 from 1907)	150 (+26 from 1907)	0.09016
1907	174 (+3 from 1906)	124 (+23 from 1906)	0.07819
1906	177 (-10 from 1905)	101 (-16 from 1905)	0.07011
1905	167 (+7 from 1904)	117 (+12 from 1904)	0.08169
1904	174 (-9 from 1903)	105 No change from 1903	0.07581
1903	165 (+24 from 1902)	105 (+17 from 1902)	0.08119
1902	189 (-26 from 1901)	88 (-4 from 1901)	0.06629
1901	163 (+13 from 1900)	92 (-26 from 1900)	0.07959
1900	176 (+13 from 1899)	118 (+46 from 1899)	0.07278
1899	189 (-14 from 1898)	72 (-18 from 1898)	0.06250
1898	175 (+97 from 1897)	90 (+47 from 1897)	0.06813
1897	272 (-66 from 1896)	43 (-30 from 1896)	0.03526
1896	206 (-7 from 1895)	73 (+1 from 1895)	0.05656
1895	199 (-7 from 1894)	72 (-5 from 1894)	0.05685
1894	192 (+32 from 1893)	77 (+19 from 1893)	0.06165
1893	224 (-28 from 1892)	58 (-20 from 1892)	0.04792
1892	196 (+41 from 1891)	78 (+32 from 1891)	0.05934
1891	237 (-59 from 1890)	46 (-29 from 1890)	0.04210
1890	178 (+55 from 1889)	75 (+27 from 1889)	0.06266
1889	233 (-12 from 1888)	48 (-15 from 1888)	0.04033
1888	221 (-18 from 1887)	63 (+6 from 1887)	0.04850
1887	203 (+17 from 1886)	57 (-2 from 1886)	0.05214
1886	220 No change from 1885	59 (+5 from 1885)	0.04956
1885	220 (+1 from 1884)	54 (-2 from 1884)	0.04657
1884	221 No change from 1883	56 (+7 from 1883)	0.04563
1883	221 (-4 from 1882)	49 (-8 from 1882)	0.04357
1882	217 (+3 from 1881)	57 (+9 from 1881)	0.04671
1881	220 (-20 from 1880)	48 (-12 from 1880)	0.04433
1880	200 First SSA data recorded	60 First SSA data recorded	0.05068

American States Popularity Rankings for Nathaniel

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

California (CA)

#952021

#1052022

#1062023

Texas (TX)

#1072021

#1132022

#1002023

New York (NY)

#1122021

#1182022

#1052023

Florida (FL)

#1612021

#1292022

#1522023

Ohio (OH)

#1802021

#1942022

#2142023

Pennsylvania (PA)

#1382021

#1542022

#1322023

Illinois (IL)

#1432021

#1442022

#1722023

Georgia (GA)

#1782021

#1662022

#2122023

North Carolina (NC)

#1392021

#1852022

#2072023

Virginia (VA)

#1132021

#1182022

#1322023

Michigan (MI)

#2412021

#1602022

#2562023

South Carolina (SC)

#1712021

#1492022

#1812023

Indiana (IN)

#1772021

#1862022

#1772023

Massachusetts (MA)

#1162021

#882022

#1332023

Tennessee (TN)

#1882021

#1522022

#1972023

Alabama (AL)

#1872021

#1802022

#2262023

New Jersey (NJ)

#842021

#1122022

#1182023

Missouri (MO)

#1682021

#1842022

#1712023

Maryland (MD)

#962021

#1102022

#1662023

Washington (WA)

#1312021

#1502022

#1352023

Arizona (AZ)

#1152021

#1032022

#1122023

Louisiana (LA)

#2212021

#2622022

#1822023

Kentucky (KY)

#1672021

#1332022

#1852023

Wisconsin (WI)

#2122021

#2502022

#2532023

Mississippi (MS)

#1682021

#2132022

#1972023

Colorado (CO)

#1522021

#1812022

#2532023

Minnesota (MN)

#1812021

#2652022

#2222023

Arkansas (AR)

#1602021

#2172022

#2252023

Oklahoma (OK)

#2082021

#1872022

#2152023

Oregon (OR)

#1522021

#1622022

#1822023

Connecticut (CT)

#1312021

#1052022

#892023

Kansas (KS)

#2042021

#2542022

#1522023

New Mexico (NM)

#1022021

#942022

#662023

Iowa (IA)

#2492021

#2612022

#2142023

District of Columbia (DC)

#2072021

#872022

#562023

West Virginia (WV)

#1692021

#1762022

#1612023

Utah (UT)

#2532021

#3282022

#3442023

Nebraska (NE)

#3062021

#2712022

#3642023

Maine (ME)

#1472021

#1672022

#2582023

Nevada (NV)

#1432021

#1512022

#1462023

New Hampshire (NH)

#2022021

#2302022

#1232023

Idaho (ID)

#1802021

#1792022

#2222023

Hawaii (HI)

#1172020

#1112022

#1672023

Rhode Island (RI)

#932021

#1622022

#2362023

Alaska (AK)

#1762021

#1422022

#1662023

Delaware (DE)

#1282021

#1692022

#1762023

Montana (MT)

#2112020

#2252021

#2582023

South Dakota (SD)

#2122020

#2892021

#2282023

North Dakota (ND)

#2222021

#2252022

#1722023

Vermont (VT)

#842009

#1162010

#1232012

Wyoming (WY)

#1712014

#1782015

#1062019

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

Is Nathaniel a Name for Boys or Girls?

Nathaniel is generally a boy’s name. This classic name has been a strong choice for boys for centuries, often favored for its timeless, biblical connection.

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

Meaning: Given, he gave, gift of God
Origin: HebrewNathan
Nathanial
Nathanael
Nathanel
Nataniel
Natanael

Nathaniel in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

Nathaniel Hawthorne (Author, 1804–1864): A renowned American author known for his dark romantic novels such as "The Scarlet Letter" and "The House of the Seven Gables."
Nathaniel Philbrick (Author, born 1956): An American author best known for his historical books such as "In the Heart of the Sea" and "Mayflower."
Nathaniel Rateliff (Musician, born 1978): An American singer and songwriter famous for his work with the band Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.
Nathaniel Parker (Actor, born 1962): A British actor recognized for his role in the TV series "The Inspector Lynley Mysteries."
Nathaniel Bacon (Colonist, 1647–1676): An American colonist who led Bacon's Rebellion in 1676.
Nathaniel Buzolic (Actor, born 1983): An Australian actor known for his roles in TV series such as "The Vampire Diaries" and "The Originals."
Nathaniel Ayers (Musician, born 1951): An American musician whose life story inspired the film "The Soloist."
Nathaniel Bowditch (Mathematician, 1773–1838): An American mathematician and navigator known for his work "The American Practical Navigator."
Nathaniel Clyne (Footballer, born 1991): An English professional footballer who has played for clubs such as Liverpool and Crystal Palace.
Nathaniel Branden (Psychologist, 1930–2014): A Canadian-American psychotherapist and writer known for his work on self-esteem.

Meaning: Given, he gave, gift of God
Origin: HebrewNathan
Nathanial
Nathanael
Nathen
Nataniel
Natan
Natanael
Nathanyal
Nat

Sibling Names for Nathaniel

For a Brother
For a Sister

Parents Who Like the Name Nathaniel Also Like

I’m glad you took the time to learn about Nathaniel with me. If you enjoyed this article, please like, share, and comment. Your insights and thoughts are always welcome!

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

Expertise

Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

Nathaniel Name Meaning