Nathalie is a feminine given name of French origin and meaning "birthday of Christmas" in reference to the Virgin Mary's nativity celebration on December 25th. The name has been popular throughout Europe, particularly in France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec, Canada.
The name Nathalie first appeared during the Middle Ages in France, where it was used as a female form of the male name Natale, which itself derived from the Latin word "natalis" meaning "birthday." Over time, Nathalie became more commonly associated with the Virgin Mary's nativity celebration rather than the male name.
In some variations of the name, such as Natalie or Natasha, it has gained further popularity in other cultures. For instance, Natalie is a common English given name, while Natasha is popular in Russian-speaking countries.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Nathalie or its variants. These include French writer Nathalie Sarraute, Belgian-born American actress Nathalie Baye, and Russian ballet dancer Matilda Kshesinskaya (whose real name was Natalia Dmitrievna Kschessinska).
Today, Nathalie remains a popular choice for parents seeking a classic yet distinctive feminine given name with roots in European history. It is often seen as an elegant and sophisticated option, reflecting its French origin and enduring popularity throughout the centuries.
Statistics on the name Natylie show a slight increase in popularity over the course of five years in the United States. In 2007, there were 5 babies named Natylie at birth. By 2011, this number had risen to 12 births, indicating that the name was becoming more popular among parents during this time period. Overall, from 2007 to 2011, a total of 17 babies were born with the name Natylie in the United States.