Jonathan
Meaning: God has given, gift of God
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Boy
Rank in New Zealand: #72
Total births: 8,994
History: Jonathan surged in New Zealand in the 1990s-2000s. Jonathan Marshall and other Kiwi musicians carry the name. Jonathan represents the generation of NZ men who grew up during the country's cultural renaissance — when Kiwi music, film, and art went global.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from New Zealand’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #225 |
| Babies named Jonathan in 2025 | 21 |
| Total recorded in New Zealand | 8,994 |
| Peak year | 1982 (311 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #15 |
| Years in records | 1937–2025 (83 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 19 spots |
Frequently asked about Jonathan
What does the name Jonathan mean?
Jonathan means “God has given, gift of God” from Hebrew roots.
What is the origin of the name Jonathan?
Jonathan has Hebrew origin. The traditional meaning is “God has given, gift of God”.
How popular is Jonathan in New Zealand?
Jonathan ranked #225 in New Zealand in 2025 — given to 21 babies that year.
When was Jonathan most popular?
Jonathan peaked in 1982 with 311 babies registered that year in New Zealand.
Is Jonathan a boy or girl name?
Jonathan is predominantly a boys' name in New Zealand — over 90% of Jonathans in registered births are male.
Is the name Jonathan rising or falling in popularity?
Jonathan has fallen 19 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in New Zealand — from #206 in 2020 to #225 in 2025.
How long has Jonathan been recorded in New Zealand?
Jonathan appears in birth records in New Zealand across 83 years — from 1937 through 2025.