Name meaning & stats
Nathan
Nathan means “he gave”. 566,758 US babies since 1940, peak 2004. Notable Nathans are 2.2× over-represented as footballers.
What it means
“he gave”
Well documented
In US birth records
Peak year: 2004
566,758 US babies were named Nathan between 1940 and 2025.
Where Nathans end up
| Career | vs expected | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Footballer | 2.2× | High · 110 people |
| Actor | 1.3× | High · 52 people |
| Basketball player | 1.1× | High · 43 people |
| Ice hockey player | 1.9× | High · 39 people |
Among notable men who are footballers, Nathans show up 2.2× as often as you'd expect from how common the name is.
Notable people born 1940–2005 in the US, UK, Canada and Australia (Wikidata). Patterns, not destiny.
One more thing…
Nathan has a surprise career: 2.8×
Spelling family
Nathan is the main spelling
Names that sound the same, grouped by Heyotag. Share of US babies since 1940.
Name twins (peaked around 2004)