Dathan is a unique and interesting male given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "dathan," which means "thankful" or "praiseworthy." The name has a rich history in biblical tradition.
In the Old Testament, Dathan was one of the rebellious chieftains who opposed Moses during the Exodus from Egypt. He was swallowed up by the earth along with his followers as punishment for their disobedience. Despite its association with rebellion, the name itself carries a positive connotation due to its meaning.
Dathan has been used throughout history, appearing in various forms and spellings across different cultures. In some cases, it may have been influenced by other names or words of similar sound, such as Dathanus (a Latin form) or Datani (an Italian form).
Today, Dathan remains a rare but notable choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their son. Its Hebrew origins and biblical significance give it a profound and reverent tone, while its unique spelling and pronunciation make it stand out among more common names.
In summary, Dathan is a male given name of Hebrew origin that means "thankful" or "praiseworthy." With its rich biblical history and unique character, it makes for an interesting and meaningful choice for parents looking for something different.
The name Dathan has had a varying popularity over the years in the United States, as reflected in the birth statistics provided. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the name was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 10 births per year. However, there was a notable increase in its usage during the mid-1970s, reaching a peak of 52 births in 1979.
This popularity continued into the early 1980s, with consistent annual birth numbers ranging from approximately 20 to 50. After 1983, there was another decline in its usage, with fewer than 30 births per year until 1994. Since then, the name Dathan has experienced periods of fluctuations in popularity.
In recent years, the name has seen a slight resurgence, with birth numbers ranging from 9 to 22 annually between 2016 and 2022. Overall, the total number of births for the name Dathan in the United States is 1554, demonstrating that while it may not be one of the most popular names, it has maintained a consistent presence over the years.