The name Nathalie has its origins in the Latin language, derived from the name Natalia, which itself stems from the Latin word "natalis," meaning "birthday" or "relating to birth." It is believed to have emerged in the early Christian era, around the 4th or 5th century AD, as a name for girls born on Christmas Day or around the Christmas season.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nathalie can be found in the writings of St. Jerome, a 4th-century Christian scholar and theologian. He mentioned a woman named Natalia in one of his letters, indicating the use of the name during that time period.

As Christianity spread throughout Europe, the name Nathalie gained popularity, particularly in regions like France, Italy, and Spain. Over time, various spellings emerged, including Natalia, Nathalia, and Nathalie, with the latter becoming the most common form in French-speaking regions.

In the Middle Ages, several notable women bore the name Nathalie. One example is Nathalie of Arles, a 5th-century Christian martyr who was canonized by the Catholic Church. Another is Nathalie de Vitré, a 12th-century French noblewoman and the mother of the famous Breton poet and crusader, Bertrand du Guesclin.

During the Renaissance period, the name Nathalie continued to be used, although less frequently than other popular names of the time. One notable bearer was Nathalie de Lestang, a 16th-century French courtier and lady-in-waiting to Queen Catherine de' Medici.

In the 18th century, the name gained renewed popularity, particularly in France. One famous Nathalie from this era was Nathalie Delaunay, a French painter and textile designer who was a prominent figure in the avant-garde art movement known as Orphism.

Another notable figure was Nathalie Lemel, a 19th-century Russian-born French actress and socialite who was known for her beauty and her influential role in Parisian high society during the Belle Époque.

In the 20th century, several women with the name Nathalie made significant contributions in various fields. Nathalie Sarraute, a French novelist and playwright, was a leading figure in the nouveau roman literary movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Nathalie Delon, a French actress and director, gained fame for her roles in films such as "Le Samouraï" and "The Swimming Pool."