All about the name

Yehonatan

Male

« Yehonatan is a Hebrew name meaning "Jehovah has given" or "gift of Jehovah. »

#11940 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

Yehonatan is a Hebrew name that originates from the Bible. It is a combination of two Hebrew words: "Yeho" which means "Jehovah," and "Jonathan." Jonathan, in turn, comes from the Hebrew word "yonah," meaning "dove," and "shad" meaning "gift." In the Bible, Yehonatan was the son of King Saul and a close friend of David. The name is often associated with loyalty, as Jonathan risked his life to protect David when Saul sought to kill him. Throughout history, many notable figures have carried this name. For instance, Yehonathan Ratzabi was an Israeli general who played a significant role in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Another prominent figure is Yehonatan Afek, an Israeli-American computer scientist known for his work on data compression algorithms. Today, Yehonatan continues to be a popular name among Jewish families around the world, carrying with it a rich history and meaningful significance. It is often shortened to Jonathan in its English form, but the original Hebrew name remains a symbol of strength, wisdom, and loyalty.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Yehonatan since 1880

Total births
89
Total since 1880
Peak year
2015
14 births
in 2021
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-13%
vs previous 5 years