Jonathan is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God has heard". It is derived from the Hebrew name Yonaton, which consists of the elements "Yah" meaning God, and "H Jonathan" meaning "gift". The name Jonathan gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages due to the character Jonathas in Boccaccio's Decameron. However, it was not until the 17th century that the name began to be used regularly in England. Throughout history, Jonathan has been associated with prominent figures such as Jonathan Swift, the Irish poet and satirist, and Jonathan Edwards, an American Congregational preacher known for his influential sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God". Today, Jonathan remains a popular name around the world, ranking among the top 500 names for boys in several countries.
Statistics on the given name Jonathan, as recorded annually in the United States:
* In 1986, there were 5 babies named Jonathan at birth.
This data provides a snapshot of the popularity of this name during that specific year.