Meaning
The meaning of Jonathan
Jonathan combines the divine name element with the idea of giving. It is usually understood as the LORD has given, making it a name of gift, grace, and received blessing.
Name story
A gift name with loyal character
Jonathan's meaning is beautiful on its own, but the biblical story gives it moral depth. He is Saul's son, yet he recognizes God's favor on David and acts with costly loyalty.
The name therefore carries both gratitude and friendship. It can suggest a person who receives life as gift and gives faithfulness in return.
Biblical arc
Friendship inside political danger
Jonathan's friendship with David is not sentimental. It happens amid jealousy, violence, and royal pressure. Jonathan protects David even when that loyalty costs him.
For Christian readers, Jonathan can represent covenant faithfulness, humility, and love that is stronger than rivalry.
Sound
How to pronounce Jonathan
- Phonetic
- JAH-nuh-thun
- IPA
- /ˈdʒɒnəθən/
3 syllables · stress: JAH-nuh-thun · ends in a consonant
Forms
Variants and nicknames
Alternate spellings
- Jonathon
- Jonatan
- Yehonatan
- Yonatan
Short forms and nicknames
- Jon
- Jonny
- Nate
Languages
Jonathan in other languages
- Hebrew
- יְהוֹנָתָןYehonatan
- Greek
- ἸωνάθανIōnathan
- Latin
- Ionathan
- Spanish
- Jonatán
- French
- Jonathan
- German
- Jonatan
- Italian
- Gionata
- Russian
- ИонафанIonafan
Christian background
Christian and biblical background
Jonathan has been used in Christian communities because the biblical figure embodies loyalty, courage, and self-giving friendship. The meaning also makes it suitable as a gratitude name.
Scripture
The biblical figure
Jonathan is the son of King Saul and the close friend of David. He is remembered for bravery in battle and for protecting David from Saul's anger.
Bearers
Notable people named Jonathan
biblical
JonathanSon of King Saul and faithful friend of David in 1 Samuelhistorical
Jonathan EdwardsAmerican Reformed theologian and central figure of the Great Awakening, 1703 to 1758historical
Jonathan SwiftAnglo-Irish satirist and Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, author of Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal, 1667 to 1745historical
Jonathan LarsonAmerican composer of the musical Rent, 1960 to 1996modern
Jonathan FranzenAmerican novelist, author of The Corrections and Freedom, born 1959modern
Jonathan GroffAmerican actor and singer known for Hamilton, born 1985
Naming history
Naming tradition and history
Jonathan has a long history in English-speaking use. It feels classic and biblical but approachable, with Jon as a simple short form.
Recent US use
Jonathan in recent US use
- Rank in 2025
- #89
- Peak rank
- #15 in 1988
- Recent trend
- declining over the last 5 years
- Years in the SSA records
- 146 (since 1880)
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880-2025.
Sibling fit
Sibling name suggestions
Pairings
Names paired with Jonathan
Davidcovenant friend
Jonathan and David make a covenant of mutual loyalty; their friendship is the strongest example in the Old Testament.
For families
For families looking at Jonathan
Jonathan may suit families who want a substantial biblical name connected with gift, friendship, and loyalty. It has a mature full form and an easy everyday nickname.
Common questions
What does Jonathan mean?
Jonathan means the LORD has given.
Is Jonathan a biblical name?
Yes. Jonathan is the son of Saul and the loyal friend of David.
Is Jon a nickname for Jonathan?
Yes. Jon is a common short form of Jonathan.
Sources
Sources for Jonathan
- A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, Brown, Driver, and BriggsSupports: Hebrew etymology; meaning 'the LORD has given'.
- The First Book of Samuel, King James Version (KJV 1769)Supports: biblical figure; son of Saul and loyal friend of David.
Last reviewed July 19, 2026. See our methodology, or report an error on the corrections page.
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