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Jonathan

Derived from the Hebrew name 'Yehonatan' or 'Yonatan', Jonathan means 'Yahweh has given' or 'gift of God'. It has biblical roots, being the name of a prince in the Old Testament who was known for his deep friendship with King David. The name conveys themes of loyalty, friendship, and divine favor.

IPA: /ˈdʒɒnəθən/ · Simplified: JOH-nuh-thun

Male
Hebrew
Biblical
Middle East
classic
friendly
dependable
thoughtful

45/100

Popularity

Falling

10-Year Trend

5

Countries

2015

Peak Year

Meaning of Jonathan

Etymology, origin story, and cultural significance.

Derived from the Hebrew name 'Yehonatan' or 'Yonatan', Jonathan means 'Yahweh has given' or 'gift of God'. It has biblical roots, being the name of a prince in the Old Testament who was known for his deep friendship with King David. The name conveys themes of loyalty, friendship, and divine favor.

Does Jonathan flow with your last name? — Run the surname compatibility check

How to pronounce Jonathan

IPA notation and a simplified pronunciation guide.

IPA: /ˈdʒɒnəθən/ · Simplified: JOH-nuh-thun

Nicknames for Jonathan

Common diminutives and short forms used in everyday life.

Jon
Jono
Jonny
Nathan

Jonathan name popularity

Popularity score over the last 10 years and countries where this name is popular.

20152016201720182019202020212022202320240255075100

Popular in Countries

Top countries where this name is most common.

65

United States

63

United Kingdom

60

Canada

58

Australia

55

Germany

International Forms

How this name appears across different languages and cultures.

Jonatan

Yonatan

Jonathon

Johnathan

Names like Jonathan

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Collections featuring Jonathan

Curated name lists where this name appears

Personality

Traits and perception commonly associated with this name.

Jonathan is often associated with a loyal and friendly personality, making those with the name great friends and confidants. They are typically seen as dependable, thoughtful, and possessing an innate ability to lead with kindness and understanding.

Name Day

Traditional celebration date for this name.

Not traditionally celebrated

Famous people named Jonathan

Well-known figures who share this name.

J

Jonathan Swift

Satirical writer known for 'Gulliver's Travels', 17th-18th century

J

Jonathan Edwards

American preacher and theologian, 18th century

Frequently asked questions about Jonathan

Quick answers on meaning, gender, popularity, and nicknames.

What does Jonathan mean?
Here is the meaning behind Jonathan: Derived from the Hebrew name 'Yehonatan' or 'Yonatan', Jonathan means 'Yahweh has given' or 'gift of God'. It has biblical roots, being the name of a prince in the Old Testament who was known for his deep friendship with King David. The name conveys themes of loyalty, friendship, and divine favor.
Is Jonathan a boy or girl name?
Jonathan is traditionally a boy's name, though naming customs vary between cultures and families.
How popular is Jonathan?
Jonathan scores 45/100 on Namelia's popularity index, with a peak around 2015.
What are good nicknames for Jonathan?
Popular nicknames for Jonathan: Jon, Jono, Jonny, Nathan.
What names are similar to Jonathan?
Names similar to Jonathan: Nathaniel, Matthew, Joshua, Benjamin — close in sound, origin, or style.

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