Meaning, origin, history
Jonathan is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "gift from God". It is composed of two elements: "Yah", which is an abbreviated form of the Hebrew name for God, and "natan", which means "gift".
The name Jonathan first appears in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Samuel. Jonathan was the son of King Saul, who befriended David despite knowing that David had been anointed by the prophet Samuel to become the next king. Their friendship is often cited as one of the greatest examples of loyalty and selflessness in biblical literature.
Over time, the name Jonathan has been adopted by various cultures around the world. In English-speaking countries, it became popular during the Victorian era. Today, Jonathan remains a classic yet timeless choice for parents looking to give their child a strong and meaningful name.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Onathan since 1880
Total births
47
Total since 1880
Peak year
1988
12 births
in 1989
9
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years