National Jonathan Day – October 7, 2022, history significance
National Johnathan Day is an annual event that takes place on October 7. The Hebrew name Jonathan means ‘God has bestowed,’ and it’s already an adapted form of the name ‘Yehonathan,’ which means ‘Yahweh has provided.’
The name itself is made up of two Hebrew words: ‘yeho,’ which refers to the Hebrew God, Yahweh, and ‘natan,’ which means ‘to bestow.’ In the Bible, Jonathan is also mentioned in the Old Testament, where he is described as King Saul’s oldest son and a man of tremendous might. Today, we celebrate those bearing this powerful name.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL JONATHAN DAY
Jonathan is an ancient name that means ‘God’s gift’ or ‘Jehovah’s gift.’ It’s a name that has been around for a really long time, and thus, has spread all around the world, both as a given name and as a family name, although they may not trace back to the same root. As it is, the surname Jonathan was first discovered in Freienwalde, Germany, where said family had a long history.
Jonathan is a very popular name, and there have been many notable personalities with it. Jonathan Swift, born in 1667, was an Anglo-Irish humorist who wrote “Gulliver’s Travels” and other works and was a notable bearer of this name.
There’s also Jonathan Pryce, who was born in 1947 and is a well-known Welsh actor. Jonathan Davis, the vocalist for the American metal band Korn, and Jonathan ‘Jonny’ Greenwood, an English guitarist and a member of Radiohead, are among the other notable bearers of the name.
In the U.S., during the 2000s decade, the name Jonathan was steadily among the top 30 most popular names for baby boys. At the moment, the name is number 167 among the most popular names nationwide, with an estimate of over 300,000 people bearing it.
NATIONAL JONATHAN DAY TIMELINE
1667
Jonathan Swift is Born
Swift, the author of the famous “Gulliver’s Travels”, is born on November 30.
1930s — 1940s
The Rapid Rise in Popularity
Jonathan gains more and more popularity all over the world.
1960
The Top 100 Names
Johnathan makes it to the top 100 boys’ names list, according to the Social Security Administration.
1980s
The Peak in Popularity
Jonathan peaks in the 1980s, especially in 1988.
NATIONAL JONATHAN DAY ACTIVITIES
Make a card for Jonathan
Find a card you like, sign it, and send it to a Jonathan you know. Congratulate them on having such a special name.
Host a theme night
Organize a small get-together for friends and family. The theme should be famous Jonathans, and everyone would have to show up dressed as one.
Spread the word
Talk about this day with those around you. Shine a light on this incredible name and its powerful meaning.
5 ICONIC FICTIONAL JONATHANS
Jonathan Kent
You may know him as Jon Kent, the son of Superman!
Jonathan Harker
One of the main characters in Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Jonathan Byers
Will Byers’ brave older brother in Stranger Things.
Jonathan Crane
One of Batman’s nemesis, also known as the Scarecrow.
Jonathan Chiller
One of the main antagonists in the Goosebumps book series.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL JONATHAN DAY
Makes people feel loved
Celebrating a person’s name makes them feel special. It allows us to see how deeply our loved ones feel for us and how much they are reminded of us through our names.
It’s a way to be thankful
Days like these shine a light on the power of names and the stories they tell. With a name as iconic as Jonathan, this is an opportunity to be thankful.
It brings families together
A day like this is a great excuse to get together with those around you and celebrate the Jonathans you know.
