Meaning, origin, history
Jonathan is a name of Hebrew origin that means "gift from God." It is derived from the Hebrew words "yonah," which means "dove," and "tan," which means "gift." In some cases, Jonathan may also be interpreted as meaning "God has heard" or "God shows favor."
The name Jonathan first appears in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Samuel. There are two notable figures named Jonathan: one is King Saul's son, who was a close friend and ally to David; the other is a wise man from Gibeah who helps David when he is fleeing from Saul.
Over time, Jonathan has become popular as both a first name and a surname in many English-speaking countries. It has been used by families across various cultures, including those of Hebrew, Christian, and secular backgrounds. Today, Jonathan remains a well-established and classic choice for baby boys.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Jonnathan since 1880
Total births
1,219
Total since 1880
Peak year
1999
50 births
in 2023
10
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-27%
↘
vs previous 5 years