Boy Old Testament Rare
Nathan
given; giving; rewarded
נָתָן na.tan
Nathan (Hebrew: נָתָן, na.tan) means “given; giving; rewarded”, by traditional interpretation. Eight men in scripture bear the name; the best attested is a prophet. In 2025 it was given to 4,980 children in the United States, ranking 63. Use is falling away. Around 589,271 Americans have been given it since 1880. Appears with Adaiah in Ezra 10.
Which Nathan?
Eight men in scripture bear this name. Here is each of them.
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Nathan
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Nathan
son of David
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Nathan
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Nathan
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Nathan
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Nathan
Show all 8 bearers
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Nathan
son of Attai
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Nathan
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 42 across 8 books
- Bearers
- 8 distinct people in scripture
- Testament
- Both
- Era
- United Monarchy
The same name elsewhere
| Country | Form | Standing | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Nathan | rank 63 · 4,980 in 2025 | Births in year |
| Brazil | NATA | 4,438 bearers · born 1960–2010 | Living residents |
| Spain | NATAN | 539 bearers · mean age 28.3 | Living residents |
| Portugal | Natã | not on the approved list | IRN approved list |
Not being on Portugal's list is not the same as being forbidden. The list records names approved for registration, and exceptions exist for foreign citizens and for names already used in a family.
Two different questions are shown here. Rows marked births in year count children registered during a period; rows marked living residents count people of every age alive at a census. They answer different questions and are never added together.
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 4,980 | Falling |
| All-time total | 589,271 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 14,696 in 2004 | Its highest year on record |
| Strongest state | CA | Highest share relative to births |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | 2 Samuel 5:14 |
| Last appears | Luke 3:31 |
| Cross-references | 742 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Abihail attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of David.
- Eliphelet attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of David.
- Ithream attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of David.
- Arnan attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of David.
- Elishua attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of David.
- Elpelet attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of David.
- Adonijah attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of David.
- Chileab attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of David.
Origin & meaning
A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.2.36;
son of: Attai (H6262);
father of: Zabad (H2066)
§ Nathan = "giver"
1) a son of David by Bathsheba
2) the eminent prophet in the time of David and Solomon
3) a man of Zobah, father of one of David's mighty warriors
4) father of Azariah who was over the officers of Solomon
5) son of Attai and father of Zabad of the tribe of Judah
6) brother of Joel of the tribe of Judah
7) one of the head men who returned from Babylon with Ezra
8) a man with a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
9) head of a family of Israel who shall mourn when they look on Him whom they pierced
Nathan, the son of Attai, is mentioned in the genealogy of the tribe of Judah.
The biblical story
Nathan is briefly mentioned in 1Ch.2.36 as part of the genealogy of the tribe of Judah. He is identified as the son of Attai and the father of Zabad.
The genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 2 traces the descendants of Judah, one of the twelve sons of Israel (or 'Jacob') and the founder of the tribe that bears his name. This genealogy includes several prominent figures in Israelite history, such as Caleb, Boaz, and David.
Nathan's mention in this genealogy serves to establish his place within the lineage of Judah and to demonstrate the continuity of the tribe through the generations. However, beyond his identification as the son of Attai and the father of Zabad, no further details are provided about Nathan's life, character, or role within the tribe.
The inclusion of Nathan in this genealogical record highlights the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israelite society. These genealogies served to establish the legitimacy of land claims, leadership roles, and the preservation of the tribe's history and connection to their ancestors.
Key verses
Nathan appears in 1 verse. Here are some of the most notable:
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And Attai begat Nathan, and Nathan begat Zabad,
1 Chronicles 2:36
Show all 1 reference
1 Chronicles (1)
- 1 Chronicles 2:36
Name variants & nicknames
- Nate — nickname
- Nat — nickname
- Natán — Spanish
- Natã — Portuguese