Nathan is a common male given name that has Hebrew origins, meaning "he gave." It is often associated with qualities such as kindness and intelligence. The name has been popular in various cultures and has many variations, including Nathanael and Nate. In popular culture, Nathan appears in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. Notable figures with the name include Nathan Hale, an American soldier and spy during the Revolutionary War, and Nathan Fillion, a Canadian actor known for his roles in series like Firefly and Castle.