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Nathaniel

♂ Boy

Pronounced nuh-THAN-yul /nəˈθæn.jəl/High

Meaning: God has given — from Hebrew <em>Netan'el</em>, a compound of <em>natan</em> (he gave) and <em>El</em> (God)High

In 30 seconds: A stately biblical name meaning 'God has given,' Nathaniel is the New Testament apostle whose name has graced poets, novelists, and scholars. With elegant length and nicknames like Nat and Nate, it's a classic that never feels tired.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningGod has given — from Hebrew <em>Netan'el</em>, a compound of <em>natan</em> (he gave) and <em>El</em> (God)
Peak year2002
Total births (all-time)≈ 264,331

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200218802017

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

History & Origin

Nathaniel comes from the Hebrew Netan'el, meaning 'God has given' — a compound of natan (to give) and El (God). It appears in the Old Testament as a name borne by several figures, and in the New Testament Nathanael is an apostle praised by Jesus. The form Nathaniel (with an extra 'i') became the standard English spelling.

Nathaniel was popular among Puritans in the 17th century. Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of The Scarlet Letter, is perhaps the name's most famous literary bearer. It has maintained steady use in the U.S. as a distinguished, literary choice, consistently appearing in the top 100–150 boys' names.

Did you know? In the Gospel of John, Nathanael of Cana is called 'an Israelite in whom there is no deceit' by Jesus — a character traditionally identified with the apostle Bartholomew.

Variations

NathanaelNathanNat

Nicknames

NatNateNathan

Famous Bearers

  • ★Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804–1864)
    American novelist and short-story writer, author of <em>The Scarlet Letter</em>.

If you like Nathaniel…

Sebastian— similarly distinguished four-syllable biblical name with a literary feel
Theodore— elegant classic with the same length, gravitas, and nickname options
Benjamin— another beloved Hebrew name of the same classic, literary generation
Jonathan— close Hebrew sibling — both carry a biblical, dignified weight

Frequently Asked

What does the name Nathaniel mean?

Nathaniel comes from the Hebrew <em>Netan'el</em> meaning 'God has given,' a compound of the Hebrew words for 'he gave' and 'God.'

How do you pronounce Nathaniel?

Nathaniel is pronounced nuh-THAN-yul /nəˈθæn.jəl/ (three syllables).

Is Nathaniel a boy or girl name?

Nathaniel is a traditional boy's name.

How popular is Nathaniel?

Nathaniel has been in the U.S. top 100–150 boys' names for decades and remains a distinguished, classic choice.