Jonathan
Jonathan first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1988, when 24,349 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 3,822.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Jonathan popular?
Declining Jonathan is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1988 peak.
| 2020s | 25,386 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 79,888 | |
| 2000s | 144,848 | |
| 1990s | 197,503 | |
| 1980s | 229,953 | |
| 1970s | 107,926 | |
| 1960s | 47,389 | |
| 1950s | 25,816 | |
| 1940s | 8,296 | |
| 1930s | 1,663 | |
| 1920s | 1,078 | |
| 1910s | 660 | |
| 1900s | 139 | |
| 1890s | 129 | |
| 1880s | 192 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Jonathan mean?
From Hebrew Yehonatan, combining yeho (a form of Yahweh) + natan 'to give' — 'Yahweh has given'. A 'gift of God' name framed as God's act of giving.
Nicknames for Jonathan
- Jon
- Jonny
- Nathan
Variants & spellings
- Johnathan
- Jonathon
Names like Jonathan
hebrew names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Jonathan
Popular hebrew names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Jonathan
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jonathan mean?
Jonathan means Yahweh has given. From Hebrew Yehonatan, combining yeho (a form of Yahweh) + natan 'to give' — 'Yahweh has given'. A 'gift of God' name framed as God's act of giving.
What is the origin of the name Jonathan?
Jonathan is of hebrew origin.
How do you pronounce Jonathan?
Jonathan is pronounced “JON-ə-thən.”
Is Jonathan a boy or a girl name?
Jonathan is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Jonathan a popular name right now?
Jonathan is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1988 peak.
How popular is the name Jonathan?
In 2025, Jonathan ranked #89 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Jonathan most popular?
Jonathan was most popular in 1988, when about 24,349 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Jonathan?
Common nicknames for Jonathan include Jon, Jonny, Nathan.
What names are similar to Jonathan?
Names similar to Jonathan include Nathan, David, Daniel, Samuel.
What names go well with Jonathan?
hebrew names that pair well with Jonathan include James, Michael, John, David, Mary.