Nathanel is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'gift from God'. It is a variant spelling of Nathan, which was borne by several figures in the Old Testament, including King David's son and prophet. The name Nathanel has been used throughout history, with notable bearers including Nathanael Greene, an American Revolutionary War general, and Nathanael West, an American writer known for his works on social criticism. In literature, Nathanel also appears as a character in Dostoevsky's "The Brothers Karamazov". The name Nathanel has a distinct and elegant sound, offering a unique alternative to the more commonly used Nathan. It carries a rich historical legacy while maintaining a modern appeal.
The name Nathanel experienced varied popularity over the decades, with peaks occurring mainly in the late 80s to early 90s and again around the mid-2000s. The most notable spikes were in 1988 (20 births), 1996 (20 births), 1998 (25 births), and 2002 (39 births). However, it also had periods of decline, such as the mid-70s to early 80s and again in recent years, with fewer than 10 births per year from 2016 onwards. Overall, there have been a total of 879 births with the name Nathanel since 1917.