Meaning, origin, history
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.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Nathanael since 1880
Total births
21,366
Total since 1880
Peak year
2000
609 births
in 2023
367
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-10%
↘
vs previous 5 years