Declining since 2006, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Dathan since 1958
Babies named Dathan per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2005, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Dathan's real moment was 1975.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 16 |
| 1960s | 71 |
| 1970s | 269 |
| 1980s | 249 |
| 1990s | 273 |
| 2000s | 420 |
| 2010s | 221 |
| 2020s | 52 |
Meaning & origin
Dathan is an uncommon name with biblical roots that saw its peak popularity in 1975, yet it has maintained a steady but low presence in U.S. birth records since 1958. The name's trajectory has been falling steadily since 2006, reflecting its status as a rare choice. While its exact meaning remains uncertain, it is often considered a variant of Nathan, a name with Hebrew origins meaning 'gift.' The rarity of Dathan gives it a distinctive quality, appealing to parents seeking a name with biblical resonance without widespread use.
Dathan is a name of uncertain origin, likely a modern variant of Nathan or a direct adoption from the biblical name Dathan (from the Hebrew 'Datan', meaning perhaps 'fountain' or 'law'). In the Bible, Dathan was a figure who rebelled against Moses. The name has seen limited but consistent use in the United States since the mid-20th century, possibly influenced by its resemblance to popular names like Nathan.
Sibling names for Dathan
Names that share Dathan's style, for a brother or sister.
