Nathan (given name)

Nathan is a masculine given name. It is derived from the Hebrew verb נתן meaning "gave" (standard Hebrew Natan, Yiddish Nussen or Nosson, Tiberian Hebrew Nāṯān). The meaning of the name in Jewish culture could be rendered "he has given" or "he will give".
The related name Elnathan could be rendered "Gift of El" (Hebrew God). Four people named Elnathan are mentioned in the Hebrew Bible: one at , and three in . Similar ancient names are Nathaniel, with the same meaning as Elnathan, and Jonathan which signifies "YHWH has given". Nathan can also be used as a nickname for Nathaniel.
Familiar forms of Nathan used in English include Nat and Nate.