Declining since 2005, #3,949 for boys today.
Popularity of Nathen since 1902
Babies named Nathen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 8 |
| 1910s | 45 |
| 1920s | 92 |
| 1930s | 78 |
| 1940s | 51 |
| 1950s | 83 |
| 1960s | 102 |
| 1970s | 363 |
| 1980s | 841 |
| 1990s | 1,170 |
| 2000s | 2,187 |
| 2010s | 976 |
| 2020s | 150 |
Meaning & origin
Nathen is a spelling variant of Nathan that first appeared in U.S. records in 1902. It reached its peak popularity in 2005, then entered a steady decline; by 2025, the name ranked 3,949 and was given to about 1 in 63,262 newborn boys. The variant is most common in Texas, reflecting regional preference for its phonetic spelling. While never as widespread as the standard Nathan, Nathen offers a distinctive alternative within a familiar biblical tradition.
Nathen is a spelling variant of Nathan, which derives from the Hebrew name נָתָן (Natan), meaning "he gave" or "gift." Nathan appears in the Old Testament as a prophet and a son of David, and the name has been consistently used among Jewish, Christian, and secular families for centuries. The variant spelling Nathen emerged in the United States in the early 20th century, likely as a phonetic respelling.
Where Nathen 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
Sibling names for Nathen
Names that share Nathen's style, for a brother or sister.
