Nathaniel is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God gave" or "gift from God." It is composed of two elements: the Hebrew word "nathan," which means "to give," and "El," which refers to God. The name Nathaniel is often translated as "gift of God."
The name Nathaniel first appears in the Bible, where it is used to refer to one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles. This Nathanael was also known as Bartholomew and was from Cana in Galilee. According to the Gospel of John, Nathanael was initially skeptical about Jesus' claims but eventually became a believer after witnessing Jesus perform miracles.
The name Nathaniel has been used throughout history by various notable figures. In the 1st century AD, there was a bishop named Nathaniel who is believed to have been one of the seventy-two disciples of Jesus Christ. More recently, Nathaniel Parker is an English actor known for his roles in films such as "The Hunt for Red October" and "The Tomorrow People," while Nathaniel Philbrick is an American historian whose works include "Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War" and "Bunker Hill."
In literature, Nathaniel is also the name of the main character in Herman Melville's short story "Bartleby, the Scrivener." This Nathaniel is a lawyer who employs Bartleby, an enigmatic law clerk with an unusual habit of refusing assignments with the phrase "I would prefer not to."
The name Nathaniel has been popular throughout history and continues to be used today. Its biblical origins give it a classic and timeless feel, while its meaning as "gift from God" adds depth and significance to the name. Whether you're looking for a name that honors religious heritage or simply one with a strong historical legacy, Nathaniel is an excellent choice.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Nathaniel in the United States from 1977 to 2023. Over this period of nearly five decades, there have been a total of 639 babies named Nathaniel.
The popularity of the name seems to have varied over time. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the number of annual births with the name Nathaniel ranged from a low of 5 in 1980 to a high of 12 in 1982. However, starting around the mid-1990s, there was an increase in the popularity of the name. In 1996, for instance, there were 14 babies named Nathaniel, and this number reached its peak in 2008 with 30 births.
After 2008, the popularity of the name appeared to decrease slightly but remained relatively stable, with an average of around 20 births per year between 2009 and 2021. In recent years, however, there has been a notable decline in the number of babies named Nathaniel, with only 8 births reported in 2023.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that while the name Nathaniel has seen fluctuations in popularity over time, it remains a name with enduring appeal among parents in the United States.