Nathan (given name)

Nathan the Prophet advising king David
Pronunciation	English: NAY-thǝn; Hebrew: Nā-tān
Word/name	Hebrew
Meaning	"Given"
Nickname(s)	Nate, Nat
Related names	Natan, Nathaniel, Jonathan

Nathan is a masculine given name. It is derived from the Hebrew verb נתן meaning to give (standard Hebrew Natan, Yiddish Nussen or Nosson, Tiberian Hebrew Nāṯān). The meaning of the name in Jewish culture could be rendered "he [God] has given" or "he will give".

The related name Elnathan could be rendered "Gift of God". Four different people named Elnathan are mentioned in the Hebrew Bible: one at 2 Kings 24:8, and three in Ezra 8:15–20. Similar ancient names are Nathaniel, with the same meaning as Elnathan, and Jonathan which signifies "God has given". Nathan can also be used as a nickname for Nathaniel.

Familiar forms of Nathan used in English include Nat and Nate.