The name Nathaly has its origins in the Hebrew name Nathaniel, which means "gift of God." The name Nathaniel is derived from the Hebrew words "natan" meaning "given" and "el" meaning "God." The name Nathaly is a feminine variation of this name, with the addition of the letter "y" at the end.

The name Nathaly gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages. It is believed that the name was first introduced to the continent through the spread of Christianity and the influence of the biblical figure Nathaniel, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The name was particularly popular in countries such as France, Spain, and Italy, where it was adapted to fit the linguistic and cultural traditions of each region.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nathaly can be found in the 13th century French text "Le Roman de la Rose." In this work, the character Nathaly is depicted as a beautiful and virtuous woman, reflecting the positive connotations associated with the name's meaning.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Nathaly. One of the earliest recorded examples was Nathaly de Foix (1468-1537), a French noblewoman and the wife of Gaston de Foix, Duke of Nemours. Another notable figure was Nathaly de Lestonnac (1556-1640), a French nun and the founder of the Order of the Daughters of Our Lady.

In the 19th century, Nathaly Pushkin (1812-1863) was a Russian noblewoman and the wife of the renowned poet Alexander Pushkin. Nathaly Herzen (1817-1852) was a Russian writer and feminist, known for her literary works and her advocacy for women's rights.

In the 20th century, Nathaly Sarraute (1900-1999) was a French novelist and literary critic, renowned for her contributions to the nouveau roman movement. Nathaly Ponce (1900-1962) was a Mexican painter and printmaker, known for her works depicting Mexican folklore and indigenous culture.

While the name Nathaly has its roots in the ancient Hebrew language and biblical tradition, it has since been embraced and adapted by various cultures around the world. The name continues to be popular today, carrying with it the symbolic meaning of a "gift from God" and the rich historical and cultural significance it has acquired over the centuries.