Nathanel
Every Nathanel since 1917 — 885 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Nathanel
Nathanel is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #11,592 in 2025 with 6 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1917, 885 American babies have been named Nathanel. Its peak came in 2002, when 39 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2000s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Nathanel stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Nathanel year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | #11,592 |
| 2024 | — | — |
| 2023 | — | — |
| 2022 | 6 | #11,872 |
| 2021 | — | — |
| 2020 | 5 | #13,470 |
| 2019 | 7 | #10,482 |
| 2018 | 7 | #10,406 |
| 2017 | 11 | #7,399 |
| 2016 | 5 | #13,610 |
| 2015 | 10 | #7,877 |
| 2014 | 8 | #9,369 |
| 2013 | 9 | #8,570 |
| 2012 | 12 | #6,911 |
| 2011 | 17 | #5,360 |
| 2010 | 18 | #5,179 |
| 2009 | 24 | #4,240 |
| 2008 | 30 | #3,625 |
| 2007 | 20 | #4,753 |
| 2006 | 25 | #3,963 |
| 2005 | 19 | #4,588 |
| 2004 | 20 | #4,372 |
| 2003 | 28 | #3,340 |
| 2002 | 39 | #2,535 |
| 2001 | 22 | #3,809 |
| 2000 | 14 | #5,240 |
| 1995 | 11 | #5,402 |
| 1990 | 15 | #3,906 |
| 1985 | 13 | #3,539 |
| 1980 | 8 | #4,813 |
| 1975 | 7 | #4,643 |
| 1970 | — | — |
| 1965 | — | — |
| 1960 | — | — |
| 1955 | 5 | #4,217 |
| 1950 | 5 | #4,042 |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — |
| 1935 | 8 | #2,875 |
| 1930 | 7 | #3,496 |
| 1925 | 8 | #3,320 |
| 1920 | 13 | #2,418 |
| 1915 | — | — |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Nathanel in 2025?
Nathanel ranked #11,592 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 6 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Nathanel?
885 babies have been named Nathanel in the United States since 1917, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Nathanel most popular?
Nathanel peaked in 2002, when 39 newborns received the name.
Is Nathanel a boy or girl name?
Nathanel is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Nathanel rising or falling?
Nathanel is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.