Declining since 1990, #1,486 for boys today.
Popularity of Jonathon since 1912
Babies named Jonathon per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 31 |
| 1920s | 57 |
| 1930s | 47 |
| 1940s | 344 |
| 1950s | 1,253 |
| 1960s | 2,524 |
| 1970s | 7,200 |
| 1980s | 19,576 |
| 1990s | 21,429 |
| 2000s | 9,570 |
| 2010s | 2,825 |
| 2020s | 756 |
Meaning & origin
Jonathon is a variant spelling of the classic name Jonathan, favored by parents who want a slightly distinctive form. First recorded in U.S. data in 1912, the name reached its peak rank of 196 in 1990, when it was given to over 2,600 babies annually. Since then, usage has declined steadily, and in 2025 it ranked 1,486th with only about 1 in 14,354 boys receiving the name. The spelling Jonathon was most popular in Alabama, Michigan, and Indiana. While not as common as the standard Jonathan, it remains a recognizable alternative that carries the same biblical heritage and nickname potential.
Jonathon is a variant spelling of Jonathan, derived from the Hebrew name Yehonatan (Yahweh has given). The name appears in the Bible as the son of King Saul and close friend of David. This particular spelling became more common in the 20th century, especially in the United States, as an alternative to the traditional Jonathan.
Where Jonathon is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jon, Jonny, Jono
Sibling names for Jonathon
Names that share Jonathon's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Jonathon
Names whose popularity has moved with Jonathon's over the last 50 years.
