Johnathan is a masculine given name derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." It is a variant spelling of the more common Jonathan. The name's roots can be traced back to the biblical figure John the Baptist, whose Hebrew name was Yohanan.

The name Johnathan gained popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly in England and other parts of Europe. It was often used as an English translation of the French name Jean or the German name Johann, both of which derived from the same Hebrew origin.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Johnathan can be found in the Domesday Book, a survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears several times in this historical record, indicating its usage during the Norman period.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Johnathan. One of the most famous was Johnathan Swift (1667-1745), the Anglo-Irish satirist, essayist, and poet best known for his satirical masterpiece "Gulliver's Travels." Another notable Johnathan was Johnathan Edwards (1703-1758), a American Puritan theologian and philosopher who played a significant role in the Great Awakening religious revival.

In the realm of politics, Johnathan Trumbull (1710-1785) served as the Governor of Connecticut during the American Revolutionary War and was a close friend and advisor to General George Washington. Johnathan Aitken (born 1942) is a former British Conservative politician who served as a Cabinet Minister in the 1990s.

In the arts, Johnathan Franzen (born 1959) is an acclaimed American novelist and essayist, known for works such as "The Corrections" and "Freedom." Johnathan Glazer (born 1965) is a British film director and writer, best known for his critically acclaimed films "Sexy Beast" and "Under the Skin."

While the name Johnathan has seen fluctuations in popularity over the centuries, it remains a cherished name with a rich historical and cultural heritage, spanning from its biblical roots to its usage by notable figures throughout history.