Names › Boys' names › N › Nathan
Nathan
Meaning: he gave · Origin: Hebrew · Gender: usually a boy's name
Origin & history
Hebrew for 'he gave'; the prophet Nathan advised King David.
Famous people named Nathan
- Nathan Fillion (actor)
Nicknames
Nate, Nat
Variants & related names
Natan, Nathaniel
Nathan name art
A free preview of a printable “Nathan” poster with its meaning — great for a nursery, a birthday or a gift.
Instant download, no subscription. Not printed or shipped — you get a high-resolution PNG to print at home or at a print shop.
FAQ
What does the name Nathan mean?
Nathan means “he gave”. It comes from Hebrew.
Is Nathan a popular name?
Yes — Nathan has been one of the most popular boys' names in the United States in the 2020s, according to US Social Security Administration baby-name data.
What are nicknames for Nathan?
Nate, Nat.
What are other forms of Nathan?
Natan, Nathaniel.
Similar names
Joseph · Joshua · Caleb · Eli · Aaron · Ezekiel
More: names starting with N · all boys' names
Sources: standard name etymology references (e.g. Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names); popularity from US SSA and UK ONS baby-name data. Meanings of old names are often debated — where scholars disagree we say so.