Nathan
Meaning: He gave; gift of God
Origin: Hebrew — from Natan (נָתָן), from natan (to give)
Gender: Boy
Rank in Australia: #27
Total births: 21,439
History: Nathan surged in the 1990s and carries strong sporting energy in Australia. Nathan Buckley captained Collingwood in AFL — one of the most high-profile positions in Australian sport. Nathan Lyon became Australia's greatest off-spinner. Nathan means Australian sporting commitment.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2018) | #84 |
| Babies named Nathan in 2018 | 109 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 21,439 |
| Peak year | 1981 (855 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #10 |
| Years in records | 1969–2018 (49 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 22 spots |
Frequently asked about Nathan
What does the name Nathan mean?
Nathan means “He gave; gift of God” from Hebrew — from Natan (נָתָן), from natan (to give) roots.
What is the origin of the name Nathan?
Nathan has Hebrew — from Natan (נָתָן), from natan (to give) origin. The traditional meaning is “He gave; gift of God”.
How popular is Nathan in Australia?
Nathan ranked #84 in Australia in 2018 — given to 109 babies that year.
When was Nathan most popular?
Nathan peaked in 1981 with 855 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Nathan a boy or girl name?
Nathan is predominantly a boys' name in Australia — over 90% of Nathans in registered births are male.
Is the name Nathan rising or falling in popularity?
Nathan has fallen 22 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #62 in 2013 to #84 in 2018.
How long has Nathan been recorded in Australia?
Nathan appears in birth records in Australia across 49 years — from 1969 through 2018.