Nathanael is of Hebrew origin and signifies "gift of God". It was popularized through its usage by two individuals in biblical history: Nathanael, a disciple of Jesus Christ, and Nathanael, the son of Tolmai, one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore Canaan. The name has seen varied spellings over time, such as Nathaniel, Nathanail, and Nathanel, among others. It is composed of two elements: "Nathan", meaning "gift" or "given by God", and "-ael/-el", a common Hebrew ending that signifies "of God". Nathanael is considered a unique yet timeless name, carrying a profound historical and religious significance.
Nathanael has seen a resurgence in popularity recently with 5 births recorded in 2023, marking the highest number since 1987 when there were also 7 births. The name has maintained a consistent presence over time, with a total of 17 births spanning from 1981 to present day.