Boy · 28th of 24,088
Nathan
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
584,253
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2004
Peak Popularity Year
14,695
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Nathan stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Nathan is a Hebrew name meaning 'gift,' derived from the verb 'natan,' meaning 'to give.' It has evolved from its original Hebrew form to its current English variant. The name is associated with positive traits like reliability and intelligence and has biblical relevance as a prophet during King David's reign. Nathan has seen consistent popularity over the years.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈneɪθən/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Nathan comes from the Hebrew name Natan, which means 'he gave' or 'gift.' It is derived from the root verb 'natan,' meaning 'to give.'
Meaning
gift
Language Evolution
Natan (Hebrew), Nathan (English)
Biblical Background
Nathan is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, known as a prophet during the reign of King David.
Historical Usage
The name Nathan gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Protestant Reformation and has remained consistently popular since the 19th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Nathanael, Nathen, Nat
Modern Popularity & Image
Nathan is perceived as a strong, classic name that conveys reliability and intelligence. It remains a popular choice for boys in many countries.
Famous People
Nathan Hale, Nathan Lane, Nathan Fillion, Nathan Phillips
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 14,695 peak births in 2004
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 10 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 162nd of 7545 | 14,216 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 254th of 6773 | 8,883 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 221st of 7552 | 20,272 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 61st of 10718 | 84,844 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 41st of 16616 | 167,607 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 28th of 24088 | 201,751 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 44th of 23106 | 82,439 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 5657th of 9107 | 36 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 5850th of 9204 | 34 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 6965th of 12526 | 51 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2585th of 19264 | 470 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2386th of 27321 | 775 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 5888th of 35406 | 332 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 13314th of 30306 | 71 |