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Nate Unisex

Popularity: #814 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationNAYT / /neɪt/

Hebrew; English

Meaning

Hebrew: Gift of God; English: Diminutive of Nathan

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Nate is derived from the Hebrew name Nathan, which means "he gave" or "gift from God." The etymological journey of Nate begins with the Hebrew root נָתַן (natan), which translates to "to give." This name was adopted into Greek as Ναθάν (Nathan) and subsequently into Latin as Nathanus. The name made its way into Old French, where it was often used in the form of Natan, before finally entering the English language as Nathan. The shortened form Nate emerged as a diminutive, reflecting a common linguistic practice of creating shorter, more familiar versions of longer names.

Historically, Nathan appears in the Hebrew Bible as a prominent prophet during the reign of King David, serving as an advisor and playing a crucial role in the narrative surrounding David's kingship. He is notably recognized for his confrontation with David regarding the king's adultery with Bathsheba, as well as for his prophetic announcement of the Davidic covenant, which promised that David's lineage would endure. This biblical figure's significance has contributed to the name's enduring presence in various cultures and languages over the centuries.

In addition to its biblical roots, the name Nathan has been borne by various saints and notable historical figures, further enhancing its cultural resonance. The name has been associated with themes of wisdom, guidance, and divine favor, which have contributed to its appeal across different societies. The diminutive Nate, while less formal, carries a sense of familiarity and approachability, making it a favored choice in informal contexts. Overall, the name Nate, rooted in rich historical and linguistic traditions, embodies a legacy of significance that transcends time.

Trend Summary

Nate has seen a steady popularity in the U.S., particularly as a casual and approachable name.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Nathan
  • Nate

International Variants

  • Natan (Hebrew)
  • Nathanael (Greek)

Famous people named Nate

Nate Berkus is an interior designer best known for The Nate Berkus Show, Oprah's Favorite Things, and his work on home design.

Nate Robinson is a former professional basketball player best known for his time with the New York Knicks, winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest three times, and his appearances in the NBA playoffs.

Nate Diaz is a mixed martial artist best known for his fights in the UFC, his rivalry with Conor McGregor, and his submission victories.

Nate Silver is a statistician and writer best known for founding FiveThirtyEight, his election forecasting, and his work on baseball analytics.

Fictional characters named Nate

Nate Drake is a fictional character from the video game series Uncharted. He is a treasure hunter known for his adventurous spirit and charismatic personality.

Nate Adams is a fictional character from the animated series The Amazing World of Gumball. He is a student at Elmore Junior High and is known for his laid-back attitude and friendship with Gumball and Darwin.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Nate was first seen in the United States in 1880. Nate has ranked as high as #1207 nationally, which occurred in 2007, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Minnesota. In the past 5 years the name Nate has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Nate (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 17
28%
CA 17
28%
NY 15
25%
FL 6
10%
IL 6
10%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18805
18966
19129
191314
19147
191612
191711
19186
19197
19208
192112
19229
19238
19246
19258
19268
192711
19289
193112
193313
19346
193513
19367
19378
194013
19419
19426
194310
19446
194510
194616
194712
194813
194910
195114
19528
195314
19548
195519
195614
195719
195826
195941
196040
196142
196230
196324
196423
196525
196623
196726
196828
196929
197022
197125
197231
197320
197444
197530
197649
197737
197824
197929
198021
198131
198216
198318
198422
198523
198614
198732
198825
198933
199021
199128
199229
199343
199433
199535
199645
199731
199857
199954
200054
200178
200291
200389
2004116
2005141
2006150
2007181
2008137
2009126
2010137
2011132
2012108
2013113
2014104
201594
201691
201783
201893
201976
202079
202199
2022108
2023110
2024110