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Jonathan

♂ Boy

Pronounced JON-uh-thun /ˈdʒɒn.ə.θən/High

Meaning: God has given; gift of God — from Hebrew Yehonatan (Yahweh has given)High

In 30 seconds: A rich Hebrew classic meaning 'God has given,' borne by the loyal friend of David in the Bible. Jonathan has been a top-50 American boys' name for decades and remains enduringly handsome.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningGod has given; gift of God — from Hebrew Yehonatan (Yahweh has given)
Peak year1988
Total births (all-time)≈ 833,875

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198818802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Jonathan derives from the Hebrew Yehonatan, composed of Yahweh (God) and natan (to give), meaning 'God has given.' The most famous biblical Jonathan was the loyal son of King Saul and best friend of David.

Popular throughout the Christian world, Jonathan has been a top-50 U.S. boys' name since the mid-20th century, offering parents the versatility of the nickname Jon as well as the full formal name.

Did you know? The friendship of Jonathan and David in the Bible is one of the most celebrated stories of devoted friendship in world literature.

Variations

JohnathanJonatanJonathon

Nicknames

JonJohnnyJonny

Famous Bearers

  • ★Jonathan Swift (1667–1745)
    Anglo-Irish satirist and author of Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal.

If you like Jonathan…

Nathaniel— long Hebrew Biblical name with the same full, dignified presence
Benjamin— Hebrew classic with the same Bible story richness and top-tier status
Samuel— Old Testament name with the same steady gravitas and nickname options
Andrew— Greek apostle name with the same timeless reliability

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jonathan mean?

Jonathan comes from the Hebrew Yehonatan, meaning 'God has given' or 'gift of God,' from Yahweh and natan (to give).

How do you pronounce Jonathan?

It is said JON-uh-thun /ˈdʒɒn.ə.θən/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Jonathan a boy or girl name?

Jonathan is used almost exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Jonathan?

Jonathan has been a consistent U.S. top-50 boys' name for decades.