Jonathan is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God has given". It is derived from the Hebrew elements "Yah" which means "God", and "hanan" which means "to give".
The name Jonathan first appears in the Bible, where it is borne by the son of King Saul. This Jonathan was known for his brave acts and loyalty to his friends. He was also a close friend of David, who later became king after Saul.
The name Jonathan has been used throughout history, with notable bearers including Jonathan Swift, the Irish writer and poet, and Jonathan Edwards, the American theologian and revivalist preacher.
Today, Jonathan remains a popular choice for boys' names. It has consistently ranked in the top 500 most popular boy's names in the United States since the early 20th century.
Overall, Jonathan is a strong and enduring name with a rich history behind it. Its meaning "God has given" suggests that those named Jonathan are special gifts from God, while its biblical origins give it an air of ancient wisdom and nobility.
Statistics show that the name Jonathan has been quite popular among parents in the United States over the past few decades, with a total of 470 babies named Jonathan since 1964. The name's popularity peaked in the mid-1980s, with a record high of 39 births in 1986 and 38 births in 1985. Interestingly, the name's popularity has steadily declined since then, with only 7 babies named Jonathan in 1995. Despite this decrease in popularity, Jonathan remains a timeless and classic name that continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its strength and versatility.