Nathaniel
Nathaniel first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 2002, when 6,813 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 2,565.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Nathaniel popular?
Declining Nathaniel is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2002 peak.
| 2020s | 16,088 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 41,890 | |
| 2000s | 64,264 | |
| 1990s | 52,577 | |
| 1980s | 38,652 | |
| 1970s | 19,185 | |
| 1960s | 10,191 | |
| 1950s | 12,389 | |
| 1940s | 9,489 | |
| 1930s | 7,411 | |
| 1920s | 7,794 | |
| 1910s | 4,795 | |
| 1900s | 1,143 | |
| 1890s | 684 | |
| 1880s | 551 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Nathaniel mean?
From Hebrew Netan'el, combining natan 'he gave/given' + el 'God' — 'God has given'. A 'gift of God' name expressed as an act: God has given (this child).
Nicknames for Nathaniel
- Nate
- Nat
- Than
Variants & spellings
- Nathanael
- Natanael
Names like Nathaniel
hebrew names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Nathaniel
Popular hebrew names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Nathaniel
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nathaniel mean?
Nathaniel means God has given. From Hebrew Netan'el, combining natan 'he gave/given' + el 'God' — 'God has given'. A 'gift of God' name expressed as an act: God has given (this child).
What is the origin of the name Nathaniel?
Nathaniel is of hebrew origin.
How do you pronounce Nathaniel?
Nathaniel is pronounced “nə-THAN-yəl.”
Is Nathaniel a boy or a girl name?
Nathaniel is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Nathaniel a popular name right now?
Nathaniel is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2002 peak.
How popular is the name Nathaniel?
In 2025, Nathaniel ranked #140 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Nathaniel most popular?
Nathaniel was most popular in 2002, when about 6,813 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Nathaniel?
Common nicknames for Nathaniel include Nate, Nat, Than.
What names are similar to Nathaniel?
Names similar to Nathaniel include Nathan, Daniel, Samuel, Gabriel.
What names go well with Nathaniel?
hebrew names that pair well with Nathaniel include James, Michael, John, David, Mary.