Nathan is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "gift from God" or "He gave". It has been used by various notable figures throughout history and across different cultures.
The name Nathan first appears in the Old Testament of the Bible, where it is given to the son of David who becomes king after his father's death. This story has contributed to the name's popularity among Christians and Jews alike.
In literature, Nathan is the protagonist of Thomas Hardy's novel "The Mayor of Casterbridge". In this novel, the character of Nathan is portrayed as a strong-willed and determined man, which may have influenced some parents' choice of the name for their sons.
Nathan has also been used in various other cultures throughout history. For example, it was the name of the French poet and dramatist Nathan le Roux (1732-1805), as well as the Russian composer Nathan Milstein (1903-1995).
Overall, Nathan is a strong and timeless name with a rich historical background that continues to be popular among parents today. Its meaning of "gift from God" may appeal to those seeking a name with spiritual significance, while its association with strong-willed characters in literature could attract parents looking for a name that conveys confidence and determination.
The name Natan has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States, with a total of 1505 births recorded between 1968 and 2023.
While the name only appeared occasionally in the late 1960s and early 1970s, it began to gain traction in the mid-1970s, with more than seven births each year from 1976 onwards. The number of Natan births continued to fluctuate throughout the 1980s and 1990s, peaking at 24 births in 1997.
The turn of the century marked a significant turning point for the name Natan, with more than 30 births each year from 2000 onwards. This trend has continued to the present day, with over 50 births recorded annually since 2004, and reaching an all-time high of 65 births in both 2017 and 2022.
These statistics indicate that the name Natan has become increasingly popular among parents in the United States, with a consistent and growing number of newborns being given this name over recent years.