Named by God

Nathan

Meaning and Origin

The name Nathan originates from the Hebrew word 'נָתַן' (Natan), which means 'he gave' or 'given.' This etymology reflects a sense of divine gift or provision, often associated with God's blessings or acts of grace in biblical narratives. Linguistically, Nathan is rooted in Semitic languages, specifically ancient Hebrew, and has been preserved across centuries as a name of profound spiritual and historical significance. Its simplicity and direct meaning have contributed to its widespread use in both ancient and modern contexts.

Image of Nathan

Image of Nathan

Name Nathan in languages of the Bible

Nathan in languages of the Bible

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Popularity Analysis

The name Nathan has transcended its biblical origins to become a globally recognized and widely used name. Found in 152 countries, it is particularly popular in Martinique, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. Its simplicity and strong biblical roots have made it a favored choice among Christian families worldwide. Nathan's adaptability across languages and cultures underscores its universal appeal, maintaining its relevance from ancient Hebrew contexts to modern naming traditions.

CountryVariantRank
MartiniqueNathan63
Papua New GuineaNathan68
AustraliaNathan90
ZambiaNathan97
GuamNathan122
Congo, The Democratic Republic of theNathan128
RéunionNathan128
LiberiaNathan130
Marshall IslandsNathan138
Isle of ManNathan143
IsraelNatan144
CongoNathan155
United StatesNathan171
UgandaNathan176
New ZealandNathan215

Showing top 15 of 152 records

Biblical and Cultural Significance

Nathan holds a prominent place in biblical history, associated with multiple individuals who played significant roles in the Old Testament. Most notably, Nathan the prophet was a trusted advisor to King David, delivering God's covenant promises and confronting David about his moral failings, including his sin with Bathsheba. This act of prophetic courage underscores Nathan's role as a vessel of divine truth and justice. His involvement in ensuring Solomon's succession to the throne further highlights his importance in shaping Israel's monarchy and spiritual legacy. With a Divine Proximity Index of 98.2/100 and a Jesus Circle Score of 94.1/100, Nathan's biblical narrative strongly aligns with themes of divine intervention and messianic lineage, as seen in the genealogy of Jesus through David's son Nathan (Luke 3:31).

Biblical Context

Nathan appears in various roles throughout scripture, making his mark in both historical and prophetic contexts. As a prophet, Nathan delivered God's covenant to David, promising an eternal dynasty through his offspring (2 Samuel 7:4–17). He also confronted David with the parable of the 'one little ewe lamb,' exposing the king's sins of adultery and murder (2 Samuel 12:1–15). Nathan's boldness in speaking truth to power exemplifies the prophetic tradition of holding leaders accountable to God's standards. Additionally, Nathan played a crucial role in Solomon's anointing as king, ensuring the fulfillment of God's plan for Israel's leadership (1 Kings 1:8–45).

Divine Proximity Metrics

God Proximity

SNA: 5.57 | Percentile: 98.21

Biblical References

  • 2 Samuel 12:13
  • 1 Kings 1:27
  • 2 Samuel 7:6
  • 1 Chronicles 17:5
  • 1 Chronicles 3:5
Nathan | Biblical Name Meaning | Named by God