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Nathan

Boy name · 7,353 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Nathan: 7,353 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 317 births in 2002.

Of Hebrew origin, Nathan means “he gave” or “gift,” derived from the root Natan and appearing in the Old Testament as the prophet who confronted King David. Famous bearers include Nathan Hale, the American Revolutionary War spy whose statue stands in New York, and Nathan Bedford Forrest, a Confederate general whose legacy is more divisive. The name also shares its root with Nathaniel, a longer variant that adds a divine touch, while the Scottish form Natan is occasionally seen. Though no major places are directly linked, the name’s biblical weight and steady popularity in Scotland since the 1970s make it a timeless choice that feels both classic and approachable.