Nathaniel is a male given name of Hebrew origin. It is composed of two elements: "nathan," which means "to give" or "to grant," and "El," which refers to God. Therefore, Nathaniel signifies "gift of God." In the New Testament of the Bible, Nathanael is mentioned as one of Jesus' first disciples, known for his honesty and sincerity. This name was popular among Jews during biblical times but has since become more widespread across various cultures. Today, Nathaniel remains a unique yet timeless choice for parents looking to give their child a name with a rich history and meaningful origin.
The name Nathanael has a rich history in the United States, with its popularity fluctuating over the years. Between 1915 and 2023, there were a total of 21,366 births registered for this unique name.
In the early to mid-20th century, Nathanael's popularity was relatively low but consistent, with annual birth counts ranging from 5 to 27. The name began to gain traction in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with birth numbers increasing significantly each year. In 1973, Nathanael reached a new milestone with 100 births, followed by an even higher count of 103 births in 1974.
The name's popularity continued to grow throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, reaching its peak in 1982 with 369 births. This trend persisted into the 1990s, with Nathanael consistently ranking among the top 500 names for boys each year.
However, since the turn of the century, Nathanael's popularity has waned somewhat. While it remained relatively stable in the early 2000s, with annual birth counts ranging from 433 to 609, its popularity has declined in recent years. Between 2015 and 2023, Nathanael experienced a steady decrease in popularity, with birth counts dropping from 479 in 2015 to 367 in 2023.
Despite this recent decline in popularity, Nathanael remains an attractive and distinctive name choice for parents looking for something unique yet timeless. Its historical significance and consistent presence throughout the decades are testament to its enduring appeal.