Declining since 2014, #4,707 for boys today.
Popularity of Elnathan since 1926
Babies named Elnathan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 27 |
| 2010s | 277 |
| 2020s | 92 |
Meaning & origin
Elnathan is a biblical Hebrew name meaning "God has given," fitting a tradition of theophoric names that express gratitude for a child. Its use in the U.S. has been rare, with first recorded usage in 1926. The name reached its peak rank in 2013 at an unspecified number, but has been falling in popularity since 2014, consistent with a broader trend away from less common biblical names. In 2025, the name ranked 4,707th, with a frequency of 1 in 81,337 births. While it has not appeared in top states lists, it remains a distinctive choice for families drawn to Old Testament heritage. The trajectory suggests it will continue to decline in the near term, but its strong meaning and connection to Hebrew roots may sustain its quiet appeal among those seeking a name with deep religious significance.
Elnathan is of Hebrew origin, from the elements El (God) and nathan (given), meaning "God has given." It appears in the Hebrew Bible as the name of several figures, including the father of King Jehoiachin's mother and a priest in the time of Ezra. The name has been used sparingly in English-speaking countries, often among families with a biblical naming tradition.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: El, Nate, Nat
Variants: Elnaathan, Elnatan
Sibling names for Elnathan
Names that share Elnathan's style, for a brother or sister.
