Nathan

American

[ney-thuhn] / ˈneɪ θən /

noun

(in the Bible) a prophet during the reigns of David and Solomon.
George Jean, 1882–1958, U.S. drama critic, author, and editor.
Robert, 1894–1985, U.S. novelist and poet.
a male given name.

Nathan British

/ ˈneɪθən /

noun

Old Testament a prophet at David's court (II Samuel 7:1–17; 12:1–15)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Nathan

Ultimately from Hebrew Nāthān “he (God) gave”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Nathan Hochman and attorneys for sex abuse victims faced off as prosecutors sought to halt distribution of a $4-billion settlement over fraud concerns.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026

Supervisor Nathan Magsig moved to amend the resolution to add language recognizing single parents, grandparents and foster parents.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

“As long as you’re somebody’s favorite artist, the touring market is really good,” said Nathan Hubbard, chief executive of music management firm Firebird Music Holdings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 27, 2026

Eight balls into the day, Root was lbw to Nathan Smith, yet again with wicketkeeper Tom Blundell up the stumps.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2026

Nathan saw the footprints in the sand that he had seen before.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023