The name Nat is a diminutive form of the Hebrew name Nathaniel or Nathan. It means "gift from God" and has been popular among various cultures throughout history.
The name Nat first gained prominence in the New Testament of the Bible, where Nathanael, also known as Bartholomew, was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. In the Middle Ages, it became a common given name in England, with many variations such as Nathanial and Nathanell.
In modern times, Nat has been used as both a given name and a nickname for people named Nathaniel or Nathan. Some notable figures who have borne this name include British actor Nat Woolfe and American musician Nat King Cole. Overall, the name Nat is simple, memorable, and has a long history that spans across different cultures and time periods.
The name Nat has seen a varied pattern of usage over the years in the United States, as indicated by the birth statistics provided.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name Nat was given to between 5 and 20 babies per year, with fluctuations from one year to the next. The highest number of births during this period occurred in 1911, with 29 babies named Nat. This trend continued into the 1930s and 1940s, with the name being given to between 17 and 36 babies per year.
However, from the 1950s onwards, there was a notable decline in the popularity of the name Nat. In the 1950s and 1960s, the number of births dropped significantly, with fewer than 28 babies named Nat each year. This trend continued into the 1970s, with only 7 to 19 babies being given the name Nat per year.
In more recent years, the popularity of the name Nat has remained relatively low, with only 5 to 6 births recorded each year from 1980 onwards, with a notable spike in 1982 with 9 births. Despite this decline in popularity, there have been some fluctuations over time, indicating that while it may not be one of the most popular names, it is still used occasionally.
In total, according to the statistics provided, there were 2,162 babies named Nat born in the United States from 1880 to 2023. While the name has seen fluctuations in popularity over time, it remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking for something different.