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Nathanael

Boy name · 51 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Nathanael: 51 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 5 births in 2004.

Of Hebrew origin, Nathanael means "gift of God," combining nathan (he gave) and El (God). It appears in the New Testament as the name of an apostle, often identified with Bartholomew, and remains a classic biblical choice. Notable bearers include Nathanael Greene, the American Revolutionary War general who lent his name to several towns across the United States, and author Nathanael West, whose satirical novels include *The Day of the Locust*. The spelling distinguishes it from the more common variant Nathaniel, reflecting the Greek original rather than the Latinised form. In Scotland, it has been given consistently since records began, offering a slightly less common alternative to Nathaniel while retaining the same timeless, graceful meaning.