Nathanial
Every Nathanial since 1880 — 10,578 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Nathanial
Nathanial is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #3,488 in 2025 with 33 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 10,578 American babies have been named Nathanial. Its peak came in 1999, when 371 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1990s.
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 Nathanial stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Nathanial year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 33 | #3,488 |
| 2024 | 30 | #3,759 |
| 2023 | 32 | #3,604 |
| 2022 | 20 | #4,969 |
| 2021 | 32 | #3,556 |
| 2020 | 30 | #3,626 |
| 2019 | 33 | #3,471 |
| 2018 | 35 | #3,283 |
| 2017 | 54 | #2,409 |
| 2016 | 51 | #2,506 |
| 2015 | 50 | #2,515 |
| 2014 | 62 | #2,197 |
| 2013 | 86 | #1,721 |
| 2012 | 96 | #1,624 |
| 2011 | 129 | #1,325 |
| 2010 | 182 | #1,057 |
| 2009 | 193 | #1,019 |
| 2008 | 219 | #928 |
| 2007 | 264 | #808 |
| 2006 | 297 | #727 |
| 2005 | 286 | #716 |
| 2004 | 295 | #683 |
| 2003 | 327 | #628 |
| 2002 | 307 | #635 |
| 2001 | 292 | #640 |
| 2000 | 341 | #585 |
| 1995 | 311 | #582 |
| 1990 | 242 | #650 |
| 1985 | 217 | #594 |
| 1980 | 190 | #633 |
| 1975 | 90 | #877 |
| 1970 | 39 | #1,346 |
| 1965 | 22 | #1,703 |
| 1960 | 14 | #2,281 |
| 1955 | 15 | #2,110 |
| 1950 | 18 | #1,789 |
| 1945 | 7 | #2,916 |
| 1940 | 18 | #1,667 |
| 1935 | 17 | #1,742 |
| 1930 | 19 | #1,738 |
| 1925 | 18 | #1,917 |
| 1920 | 17 | #2,024 |
| 1915 | 12 | #2,259 |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | 6 | #1,194 |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | 5 | #1,020 |
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Nathanial in 2025?
Nathanial ranked #3,488 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 33 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Nathanial?
10,578 babies have been named Nathanial in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Nathanial most popular?
Nathanial peaked in 1999, when 371 newborns received the name.
Is Nathanial a boy or girl name?
Nathanial is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Nathanial rising or falling?
Nathanial is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.