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The Israeli Names Portal

יונתן


Meaning of the name יונתן

The name Yonatan is one of the most emotionally resonant and profound names in Hebrew tradition, carrying an immense emotional and ethical weight. The name is composed of two elements: "Yo" which is a shortened form of God's name (YHWH), and "natan" meaning to give or gift. The full meaning of the name is "God has given" or "gift of God", expressing deep gratitude for a child given as a divine gift. The name appears in the Bible in its full form "Yehonatan", but the shortened form "Yonatan" (Jonathan) is more common and beloved today. Within this name lies an entire worldview emphasizing the connection between humanity and the Creator, and the recognition that everything good in our lives is a gift bestowed upon us. The central biblical figure bearing this name is Jonathan, the eldest son of Saul, the first king of Israel. Jonathan was not only a prince and crown prince, but also a skilled military commander and brave warrior who led the rebellion against the Philistines and fought courageously for his people. Beyond his military prowess, Jonathan was known primarily for his noble character and his relationship with David. The friendship between Jonathan and David is one of the most famous and moving friendships in world literature. Jonathan, who knew that David was anointed king in his place, not only harbored no jealousy but loved him "as his own soul", made an eternal covenant with him, and protected him from his father Saul's wrath. Jonathan's greatness of spirit was expressed in his willing renunciation of the throne he was supposed to inherit, because he recognized God's divine choice of David. Their bond was so deep that when Jonathan fell in the Battle of Mount Gilboa, David lamented him with a heart-wrenching elegy: "I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was more wonderful than the love of women." The name Yonatan carries values of loyalty, true love, nobility of spirit, courage, and practical wisdom. It symbolizes a person capable of placing others' welfare before personal interest, who can see the bigger picture beyond the private ego, and who is committed to lofty values of truth and justice. In the modern era, the name Yonatan remains one of the most popular and beloved names in Israel, given to children across a wide spectrum of communities - from religious to secular. Parents choosing this name express hope that their son will grow to be a person of strong character, solid values, and the ability to create deep and authentic human connections. The name also reminds us of the importance of true friendship in life, and how genuine and loyal relationships are among the most precious assets a person can have.

The name יונתן with vowels

יוֹנָתָן

The name יונתן in English

Jonathan | Yonatan | Jonatan | Yehonatan

יונתן is mainly suitable for

Boy

Is the name יונתן considered international

No

Origin of the name יונתן from the Bible

1 Samuel 18:3 - Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul

Origin of the name יונתן from Kabbalah

In Kabbalah, the name Yonatan carries the meaning of divine giving and deep spiritual connection. The letter Yod that begins the name symbolizes the divine spark, the primordial point of light, and the creative force. The name represents the principle of selfless giving, which is one of the foundational principles of Kabbalah. Yonatan is also a symbol of wisdom of the heart - the ability to understand beyond intellect the true path in life, and to act from a deep connection to the supreme will. The bond between Jonathan and David represents the connection between nesher (soul) and nefesh, the perfect union of different wills for one lofty purpose.

Gematria value for the name יונתן

516

=

10

י

+

6

ו

+

50

נ

+

400

ת

+

50

ן

Numerology value for the name יונתן

3

=

10

י

+

6

ו

+

50

נ

+

400

ת

+

50

ן

=

516

=

5

+

1

+

6

=

12

=

1

+

2

=

3

Famous people named יונתן

Jonathan Netanyahu - Israeli military officer, hero of Operation Entebbe | Jonathan Rhys Meyers - Irish actor | Jonathan Swift - Irish author and satirist | Jonathan Safran Foer - American novelist | Jonathan Winters - American comedian and actor | Jonathan Taylor Thomas - American actor | Jonathan Groff - American actor and singer

Names similar to יונתן

Total times the name יונתן was registered

24092 times

Graph of the name יונתן

* Source: Central Bureau of Statistics. As of April 2022

יונתן — Name Meaning | שֵׁם