Declining since 1998, #3,450 for boys today.
Popularity of Nathanial since 1880
Babies named Nathanial per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 22 |
| 1910s | 134 |
| 1920s | 162 |
| 1930s | 156 |
| 1940s | 113 |
| 1950s | 119 |
| 1960s | 184 |
| 1970s | 927 |
| 1980s | 1,978 |
| 1990s | 2,997 |
| 2000s | 2,821 |
| 2010s | 778 |
| 2020s | 177 |
Meaning & origin
Nathanial is a variant spelling of Nathaniel, a name with deep biblical roots. While the standard form Nathaniel has remained more common, Nathanial saw its peak popularity in 1999, when it ranked highest among U.S. births. Since 1998, its usage has been gradually declining. In 2025, the name was given to roughly 1 in 51,760 boys, placing it at rank 3,450. It was first recorded in 1880, showing long but modest use. The spelling variant is most popular in California. Nathanial offers a phonetic alternative to Nathaniel, appealing to parents who prefer a spelling that matches common pronunciation.
Nathanial is a variant spelling of Nathaniel, which derives from the Hebrew name Netanel (נתנאל), meaning 'God has given.' In the Old Testament, Nathaniel was a disciple of Jesus (often identified with Bartholomew). The name has been used in English since the Protestant Reformation, with the spelling Nathanial emerging as a less common but recognized variation.
Where Nathanial 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: Nat, Nate, Than
Variants: Nathaniel, Nathaniall
Sibling names for Nathanial
Names that share Nathanial's style, for a brother or sister.
