Nathanael is a distinctive choice, ranked #924 in 2024. Your child is likely to be the only Nathanael in their class.
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UK Rank 2024
#924
US Rank #674
About the Name Nathanael
Nathanael is gradually declining in popularity, having dropped 26 places over five years. Its high point was #398 in 1998, and it now sits at #924. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1996.
Nathanael is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
In the US it ranks even higher at #674, where it enjoys a particularly strong following.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Nathanael
Unlikely. With around 34 UK babies named Nathanael per year, your child will almost certainly be the only Nathanael in his class, and possibly the only one in the whole school.
Nathanael has been declining in UK popularity, dropping 26 places in the last five years. Its peak was #398 in 1998. Choosing it now means he is likely to be among the last of his generation with this name.
Nathanael is more popular in the US (#674) than in the UK (#924). Names with strong rankings in both countries tend to have broad cross-cultural appeal, working well for international families or those with ties to both nations.
Notable people named Nathanael include: Nathanael Barnes — Nathanael Barnes is an Australian rugby league footballer.; Nathanael Mbourou — Nathanael Bongo Mbourou is a Gabonese professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Moldovan club Bălți and the Gabon national team.; Nathanael Liminski — Nathanael Liminski is a German politician from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)..
Nathanael ranks #674 in the US top 1,000 (2024). It's recognised in America but considerably more popular in the UK.
34
UK babies named Nathanael (2024)
< 1
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~0.0
In a school of 600
↓ 26 places
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Nathanael
Likely around 1 other Nathanael in the class
UK Popularity (1996–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Nathanael
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Nathanael Liminski is a German politician from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Since 30 June 2017, he has been Head of the State Chancellery of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and since June 29, 2022 Minister for Federal, European and International Affairs and the Media.
Major General Nathanael Greene was an American military officer and planter who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. He emerged from the war with a reputation as one of George Washington's most talented and dependable officers and is known for his successful command in the Southern theater of the conflict.
Nathanael Greene Herreshoff was an American naval architect, mechanical engineer, and yacht design innovator. He produced a succession of undefeated America's Cup defenders between 1893 and 1920.