Skip to content

Name meaning & originJonathan יְהוֹנָתָן

/JON-ah-than/

HebrewBoy
Make a name keepsake

Jonathan is a Hebrew boy's name pronounced /JON-ah-than/. The name Jonathan translates to 'God has given' or 'Gift of Jehovah'.

Share this name

WhatsAppPinterest

Meaning of Jonathan

The name Jonathan translates to 'God has given' or 'Gift of Jehovah'.

It is derived from the Hebrew name Yehonatan, combining the prefix 'Yeho' (referring to the Hebrew God) and the verb 'natan' (to give). In the Old Testament, Jonathan was the eldest son of King Saul and a devoted friend to King David, symbolizing loyalty and selflessness. Its popularity in the English-speaking world surged after the Protestant Reformation.

Origin
Hebrew
Pronunciation
/JON-ah-than/

Cultural background

While historically most common in English-speaking countries, it remains a classic, cross-generational choice throughout Europe and the Americas.

Variations & nicknames

  • Jon
  • Jonny
  • Jonatan
  • Nathan
  • Gionata
  • Jónatan

Famous people named Jonathan

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Jonathan Swift

    Satirist and author of 'Gulliver's Travels'

    Literature · 18th Century

  • Jonathan Edwards

    Revivalist preacher and philosopher

    Religion · 18th Century

  • Jonathan Rhys Meyers

    Irish actor known for 'The Tudors'

    Film · Modern

  • Jonathan Franzen

    Contemporary American novelist and essayist

    Literature · Modern

  • Jonathan Kent

    The adoptive father of Superman

    Comics · Modern

Frequently asked about Jonathan

Is Jonathan the same as John?
No, they have different Hebrew roots; John comes from Yochanan ('God is gracious'), while Jonathan comes from Yehonatan ('God has given').
What is the most common nickname for Jonathan?
The most frequent nicknames are Jon and Jonny, though Nathan is sometimes used as a short form.
Is Jonathan a biblical name?
Yes, it appears prominently in the Bible, most notably as the son of King Saul and the loyal friend of David.

Love Jonathan? Get more names like it

We'll email you 5 fresh Hebrew names each week — free, no spam.

By signing up you agree to get these name emails. We use your email only for them; unsubscribe any time from privacy requests. See our privacy policy. 18+ only.

Compare Jonathan with…

Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.

More Hebrew names

See all Hebrew names
Find more names like Jonathan