Nathan
Nathan first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 2004, when 14,634 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 4,975.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Nathan popular?
Declining Nathan is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2004 peak.
| 2020s | 31,755 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 88,034 | |
| 2000s | 134,857 | |
| 1990s | 107,332 | |
| 1980s | 105,987 | |
| 1970s | 65,857 | |
| 1960s | 15,524 | |
| 1950s | 10,126 | |
| 1940s | 5,577 | |
| 1930s | 4,699 | |
| 1920s | 6,715 | |
| 1910s | 7,132 | |
| 1900s | 1,616 | |
| 1890s | 1,180 | |
| 1880s | 1,106 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Nathan mean?
From Hebrew Natan, from the root natan 'to give', meaning 'he gave' or 'given'. The same root underlies Nathaniel and Jonathan; on its own it denotes giving rather than naming God.
Nicknames for Nathan
- Nate
- Nat
Variants & spellings
- Nathen
- Natan
Names like Nathan
hebrew names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Nathan
Popular hebrew names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Nathan
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nathan mean?
Nathan means he gave, given. From Hebrew Natan, from the root natan 'to give', meaning 'he gave' or 'given'. The same root underlies Nathaniel and Jonathan; on its own it denotes giving rather than naming God.
What is the origin of the name Nathan?
Nathan is of hebrew origin.
How do you pronounce Nathan?
Nathan is pronounced “NAY-thən.”
Is Nathan a boy or a girl name?
Nathan is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Nathan a popular name right now?
Nathan is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2004 peak.
How popular is the name Nathan?
In 2025, Nathan ranked #63 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Nathan most popular?
Nathan was most popular in 2004, when about 14,634 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Nathan?
Common nicknames for Nathan include Nate, Nat.
What names are similar to Nathan?
Names similar to Nathan include Nathaniel, Ethan, Daniel, Levi.
What names go well with Nathan?
hebrew names that pair well with Nathan include James, Michael, John, David, Mary.