Nathan Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Nathan come from? What does the surname Nathan mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Nathan and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Nathan Origin: What does the last name Nathan mean?
The surname Nathan is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew verb meaning "gave." In Jewish culture, it translates to "he has given" or "he will give." YourRoots data indicates that the surname Nathan first appeared in records from Wales around the early 11th century. Throughout the 17th to 19th centuries, the Nathan surname remained closely associated with France, Poland, and other countries, showing a global spread over the centuries.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Nathan surname in multiple countries by the 20th century, with significant records in Poland, the United States, and various other regions. This surname continues to be prominent in these areas and is found in many countries worldwide, reflecting a rich history and global presence over the centuries.
Nathan Last Name History: Where did the last name Nathan come from?
Origin of Nathan Surname: Where does the last name Nathan originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Nathan first appeared in records from Wales (United Kingdom) around the early 11th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Nathan spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Nathan: What does the Nathan surname history look like in the early days?
The Nathan surname remained closely associated with France, Poland, and other countries from the 17th to the 19th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Nathan family records in multiple countries, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Nathan surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Nathan surname grew significantly in Poland, the United States, and various other countries. The Nathan surname remains prominent in these regions and appears in many countries worldwide.
Explore Nathan last name heritage and Nathan surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Nathan Surame?
Joe Nathan
Joseph Michael Nathan (born Nov 22, 1974) is an American former professional baseball pitcher known for his impressive 16-season career in MLB. He played for major teams like the San Francisco Giants, Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, and Chicago Cubs. Nathan excelled as a closer, earning four All-Star selections and leading the league in saves. His career highlights include becoming the Twins' all-time saves leader and achieving 300 saves in 2013. With a remarkable save percentage, Nathan is considered one of the top relievers in MLB history. Beyond baseball, he supports charitable causes and has made significant contributions to Stony Brook University, where he played college baseball.
Tony Nathan
Tony Curtis Nathan (born Dec 14, 1956) is a former American professional football player known for his time as a running back for the Miami Dolphins in the NFL. He excelled in college football at Alabama Crimson Tide before being drafted by the Dolphins in 1979. Nathan played a key role in two Super Bowls and had a successful NFL career, later transitioning into coaching. He is also known for his involvement in the movie "Woodlawn," which depicts his high school football career. Nathan's contributions to the sport have solidified his legacy in football history.
Matthew Nathan
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Matthew Nathan (3 Jan 1862 – 18 Apr 1939) was a British soldier and colonial administrator, known for his roles as governor of Sierra Leone, Gold Coast, Hong Kong, Natal, and Queensland. He also served as Under-Secretary for Ireland during the years leading up to the Easter Rising. Nathan's background in engineering helped him implement urban planning projects, such as the construction of Nathan Road in Hong Kong. His actions in Ireland, including suppressing newspapers and handling recruitment, were met with mixed reactions. Despite efforts to prevent the Easter Rising, the event unfolded during his tenure.
Tonie Nathan
Theodora Nathalia "Tonie" Nathan (Feb 9, 1923 – Mar 20, 2014) was an American political activist and the first woman to receive an electoral vote in a U.S. presidential election. Known for her Libertarian Party affiliation, she ran for vice president in 1972 alongside John Hospers. Nathan championed freedom, free markets, and individuality, advocating for issues like ending the military draft, abortion rights, and a flat tax. Her switch from the Democratic to Libertarian Party was influenced by Ayn Rand's writings. Despite facing electoral defeats, Nathan remained active in politics, promoting Libertarian ideals and challenging the two major parties' dominance.
Robert Nathan
Robert Gruntal Nathan (January 2, 1894 – May 25, 1985) was an American novelist and poet born into a prominent New York Sephardic Jewish family. He found success in the 1920s with novels like "The Bishop's Wife," which was later made into a film. His most famous work, "Portrait of Jennie," became a fantasy fiction masterpiece and was also adapted into a film. Nathan's talent extended to poetry, screenplays, plays, and children's books. He had a diverse body of work that left a lasting impact on literature and entertainment.
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