Jonathan: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Jonathan mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Hebrew: Yahweh has given, gift of God

Gender: Male

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Jonathan is pronounced jo-na-than

The name Jonathan has a deeply rooted origin in Hebrew, derived from the word Yehonatan, which means "Yahweh has given" or "gift of God" and contains the elements yeho (in reference to God) and natan (meaning “to give”). It holds significant cultural and religious value, having appeared in the Bible as the name of King Saul's loyal son and friend of David.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Jewish and Gentile (from Northern Europe to South India): from the Biblical name Jonathan, meaning "God has given" in Hebrew. In the Bible this is the name of a son of King Saul, the close friend of the young David, whose friendship persisted even when Saul and David are themselves at loggerheads (1 Samuel 31; 2 Samuel 1:19–26).

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Paulina Porizkova

Ric Ocasek

Wes Craven

Jonathan in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Jonathan Kent from Superman - The adoptive father of Clark Kent, he is a kind and principled farmer who instills a sense of morality in his son.
Jonathan Joestar from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure - The protagonist of the first arc in this manga series, he is a noble and honorable fighter against evil.
Jonathan Byers from Stranger Things - A quiet and artistic teenager, he is the older brother of Will Byers and shows immense bravery throughout the series.
Jonathan Crane from Batman - Also known as Scarecrow, he is a villain and psychologist who specializes in fear and psychological manipulation.
Jonathan Harker from Dracula - A solicitor who travels to Transylvania and becomes entangled in Count Dracula's dark machinations.

Popularity of the Name Jonathan

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Jonathan has maintained a steady popularity over the years. As of 2023, it ranks within the top 100 baby names in the United States, reflecting its enduring appeal. Biblically, Jonathan is the son of King Saul in the Old Testament, and his loyalty to brother-in-law David gave way to the expression "Jonathan and David" (used when describing steadfast friends). Historically, the name Jonathan is of Hebrew origin, meaning "gift of Jehovah."

It has been borne by several notable figures, including Jonathan Swift, the celebrated author of Gulliver's Travels, and Jonathan Edwards, an influential preacher during the First Great Awakening. In modern times, actors such as Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Jonathan Groff have brought additional attention to the name.

Fictional characters named Jonathan also appear in various media, including Jonathan Byers from the series Stranger Things and Jonathan Kent in the DC Comics universe. The name's timeless quality continues to resonate with parents across generations, contributing to its sustained popularity.