Boy name · Hebrew

Nathan

“He gave”

Meaning
He gave
Origin
Hebrew
Gender
Boy
Syllables
2
Popularity
US top 100
Style
Classic
Used in
English-speaking countries, French

Nicknames for Nathan

What friends, grandparents and the playground will call them, depending on where they grow up.

English
Nate, Nat
French
Nat

What people expect from a Nathan

Nathan mixes soft and sharp sounds, so people tend to read it as steady and balanced.

The meaning is about a blessing. A name can't give a child a blessing, but it's a nice thing to explain to them one day.

Names set expectations, not personalities. What the research says.

Nathan: name scorecard

Save your future kid some trouble: give them a name they can live and grow with.

93/100

Great choice

Nathan

  • International readabilityReads well across languages, "th" (no such sound in many languages).
  • Easy to say and spellSays itself: 2 syllables, spelt how it sounds.
  • Not too common, not too strangePopular. Familiar and safe, a bit less personal.
  • Playground-proofNo obvious rude words or rhymes. Kids are creative, though.
  • Won't get you sued (or refused)Nothing a registrar would object to in most countries.
  • A meaning to be proud ofMeans "He gave".
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Names with a similar meaning

TheodoreMateoElijahJackMichaelDanielSamuelAsherJohnJoseph

More Hebrew names

NoahJamesElijahBenjaminLeviEzraMichaelDanielSamuelAsher

Did you know?

A French court renamed a baby called Nutella to Ella, saying the name would expose her to mockery.

Court of Valenciennes (2015)

Questions about Nathan

What does the name Nathan mean?

Nathan is a boy's name of Hebrew origin meaning "He gave".

Is Nathan a boy or girl name?

Nathan is usually a boy's name.

How popular is the name Nathan?

Nathan is in the US top 100. It is used in English-speaking countries, French.

What are nicknames for Nathan?

Common nicknames for Nathan are Nate and Nat.

Fun, but true. Name meanings come from common etymologies, which sometimes disagree. Height and weight paths are estimates from population growth data and published studies, not a medical assessment. If you're worried about your child's growth, talk to your paediatrician. Full disclaimer