Jonathan is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew words "yonah," meaning "dove," and "than," which means "gift." Therefore, Jonathan literally translates to "gift of God" or "God has given."
The name Jonathan first appears in the Bible as the son of King Saul. He was the best friend of David, who would eventually become King of Israel after Saul's death. This story is told in the Books of Samuel.
In England during the Middle Ages, the name became popular due to the influence of French culture and literature. It was often used among the nobility and has since been passed down through generations.
Today, Jonathan remains a popular given name for boys around the world. However, it's important to note that this information is about the name itself and not any characteristics or celebrations associated with people named Jonathan.
The name Jonathan has been popular among parents in the United States over the past seven decades, with a total of 1,507 babies given this name since 1954. The popularity of the name has varied significantly over time, with peaks and valleys that reflect broader cultural trends.
During the early years of the data set, from 1954 to 1968, Jonathan was a relatively uncommon name, with fewer than ten births per year on average. However, starting in 1969, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Jonathan, with over ten births each year for the next eleven years.
The late 1970s and early 1980s were the most popular period for the name Jonathan, with peak years being 1979 and 1980, when there were 22 births each year. This high level of popularity continued throughout the 1980s, with an average of over 25 births per year between 1983 and 1986.
However, starting in the mid-1990s, the popularity of the name Jonathan began to decline again. Between 1994 and 2008, there were fewer than 50 births each year on average, with some years seeing as few as nine births.
In recent years, the name Jonathan has become even less common, with fewer than ten births per year since 2013. Despite this decline in popularity, Jonathan remains a classic and timeless name that has been given to thousands of boys over the generations.
Overall, the statistics for the name Jonathan show a long history of usage in the United States, with periods of high and low popularity that reflect broader trends in naming culture. Whether parents choose this name for its historical significance, its strong sound, or its positive associations, Jonathan remains an enduring favorite among American families.