US Popularity Rank: 950

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: gift of God

A boy’s name of ancient Hebrew origins, Jonathan first appears in the Christian Bible as a son of King Saul. Like many other biblical names, Jonathan has a powerful religious meaning of “gift of God” or “God has given.” Perfect for the new gift in your life, this meaning clearly resonates with lots of new parents, as Jonathan is one of the most popular male given names. However, to help baby Jonathan distinguish himself on the playground, you’ll have a number of nicknames to choose from. These include Johnny and Jonny, which are great for when baby is young, and John and Jon, which are better for when he’s grown up. Millennial parents may especially get a kick out of the last option, which will have their friends quipping, “You know nothing, Jon Snow,” at baby Jonathan.