Meaning of Jonathan
God has given, gift of God
About the Name Jonathan
As a three-syllable masculine name, Jonathan has a musical presence of Hebrew origin, with roots in the ancient texts of the Old Testament and the rich tradition of biblical names that have crossed religious and cultural boundaries to become truly international, meaning "God has given", and a recognised and trusted boy name internationally - known across communities but never so common that it loses its individual character. "God has given" in Hebrew carries a weight that the English translation can only approximate. These ancient names were carried by prophets, matriarchs, and kings - they have been in continuous use for over 3,000 years, a longevity that few naming traditions can match.
The practical question of how Jonathan flows with the family surname is worth considering. The name is universally familiar across communities worldwide, easy to spell and pronounce, and carries natural authority in both formal and informal settings. Jonathan strikes the balance many parents seek: meaningful and grounded, without being one of dozens in a classroom.
Sound & Flow
Jonathan is a 3-syllable name. Test it with your family surname to hear how it flows. For example: Tan Jonathan, Lim Jonathan, or Lee Jonathan.
Cultural Context
Biblical in origin and widely used across Christian communities, often alongside a given name in a second language.
Name Style & Tags
Popularity Through History
See all-time rankings →Rank in California top 25 (1 = most popular). Bars represent years the name charted - Hover for rank.
Name Facts & Trivia
Famous People Named Jonathan
Prominent figures who share this name - Drawn from global culture, sports, and public life.
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