Jonathan, derived from the Hebrew name Yonathan, is of considerable historical and cultural significance. It was borne by several notable figures throughout history, most famously Jonathan, the son of King Saul in the Bible. In modern times, it has been adopted widely across various English-speaking countries.
The name Jonathan is composed of two elements: "Yona" meaning 'dove', symbolizing peace and gentleness, and "than" which means 'gift'. Thus, Jonathan translates to 'Gift of God' or 'God has given'.
In literature, Jonathan is perhaps most recognizable as the first name character in Bram Stoker's gothic horror novel, Dracula. This has contributed to its association with the genre of vampire fiction.
In recent years, Jonathan has seen a resurgence in popularity, ranking consistently among the top 500 baby names in the United States since the early 2000s. It is also popular in countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Variations of the name include Jonathon, Jonothan, and Jonatan.
Overall, Jonathan is a timeless, traditional name with a strong historical background that has remained relevant throughout centuries. Its meaning 'Gift of God' lends it a certain spiritual significance, while its association with notable figures gives it an air of prestige.
The name Jonathan seems to have had varying popularity over time, with the highest number of births occurring in 1988 (12 births). Despite some fluctuations, it appears that Jonathan was a consistently popular name throughout these years, with at least five births recorded every decade until 2006. Overall, there were 76 babies named Jonathan born during this period.