Jonathan

¹ American  

[jon-uh-thuhn] / ˈdʒɒn ə θən /

noun

1. a variety of red apple that matures in early autumn.

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Jonathan ² American  

[jon-uh-thuhn] / ˈdʒɒn ə θən /

noun

1. (in the Bible) a son of Saul and friend of David.

2. Archaic. an American, especially a New Englander.

3. a male given name: from a Hebrew word meaning “God gave.”

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Jonathan ¹ British  

/ ˈdʒɒnəθən /

noun

1. a variety of red apple that ripens in early autumn

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Jonathan ² British  

noun

1. Old Testament the son of Saul and David's close friend, who was killed in battle (I Samuel 31; II Samuel 1:19–26)

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Etymology

Origin of Jonathan

First recorded in 1875–80; named after Jonathan Hasbrouck (died 1846), American jurist

Example Sentences

Comedian Tom Walker, who portrays the fictional journalist Jonathan Pie, said the government needs to recognise comedy "as an important cultural thing from grassroots to sitcoms on the BBC".

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Jefferies analysts Jonathan Matuszewski and Randal Konik restated their Hold rating in a Tuesday note.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

However, entertainment reporter Jonathan Sim says Galaxy pulls things back, which allows composer Brian Tyler's "excellent musical score" to take centre stage.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

“It’s a minefield for insurers,” said Jonathan Moss, head of the London office for law firm DWF.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Jonathan leaned into the water, put his arm under Moose’s chest and lifted.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret