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Natalie

♀ Girl

Pronounced NAT-uh-lee /ˈnætəli/High

Meaning: Birthday of the Lord; born on Christmas Day — from Latin Natalia (natalis: of birth, natal)High

In 30 seconds: A graceful Latin name meaning 'born on Christmas Day,' from Natalia. Natalie has been a U.S. top-20 girls' name for decades, combining holiday warmth with classic elegance.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningBirthday of the Lord; born on Christmas Day — from Latin Natalia (natalis: of birth, natal)
Peak year2006
Total births (all-time)≈ 347,341

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200618802017

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

History & Origin

Natalie is the French form of the Latin Natalia, derived from natalis (of birth) and specifically dies natalis Domini (the birthday of the Lord), i.e., Christmas Day. The name was given to girls born on or near Christmas as a devotional practice in Catholic and Orthodox cultures. Saint Natalia of Nicomedia helped spread the name in the early Christian world.

Natalie was popular in France and Russia (as Natalya, notably in Tolstoy's War and Peace) before gaining traction in the English-speaking world in the 20th century. In the U.S. it entered the top 50 in the 1950s and has climbed steadily, reaching the top 20 by the 2000s. Actress Natalie Wood brought enormous glamour to the name in the mid-20th century.

Did you know? Saint Natalia of Nicomedia (died c. 311 AD), who sheltered Christian martyrs during the Diocletianic persecution, is one of the earliest bearers of this name, giving it martyr-saint prestige.

Variations

NataliaNatalyaNathalie

Nicknames

NatNatty

Famous Bearers

  • ★Natalie Wood (1938–1981)
    American actress known for West Side Story and Miracle on 34th Street.
  • ★Natalie Portman (1981–)
    Israeli-American actress and Academy Award winner, known for Black Swan and the Star Wars prequels.

If you like Natalie…

Julia— equally classic three-syllable Latin girls' name in the same polished tier
Claire— shares the same crisp, refined classic appeal
Eleanor— long, distinguished classic with the same timeless feminine elegance
Audrey— vintage-revival classic in the same Hollywood-glamour register

Frequently Asked

What does the name Natalie mean?

Natalie is a Latin name meaning 'born on Christmas Day,' from Natalia and the root natalis (of birth).

How do you pronounce Natalie?

It's said NAT-uh-lee /ˈnætəli/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Natalie a boy or girl name?

Natalie is used exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Natalie?

Natalie has ranked in the U.S. top 20 girls' names consistently for the past two decades.