Meaning & Origin
A diminutive of the male given names Nathan, Nathanael and Nathaniel, and also a female given name Natalie.
Nate is a boy's and girl's baby name of Hebrew origin, a short form of Nathan or Nathaniel, meaning 'God has given' from the Hebrew natan. Nate has been used as a standalone name for generations — approachable, friendly, and carrying the biblical heritage of Nathan without the formality.
Nate has a relaxed, reliable quality — it's the name of the guy who always shows up when you need him, who's good at everything but doesn't make a fuss about it. Short, strong, and with a biblical backbone that surprises people who only know it as a nickname.