Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Natalie

Natalie is the French form of the Latin Natalia meaning "Christmas Day”, from Latin “natalis” meaning “birthday”. In Church Latin, however, the term is used specifically with respect to Christ’s birthday, or “natale domini” (which Christians celebrate as Christmas day). The name was first popularized among members of the Eastern Orthodox Church (many Slavic countries), in honor of an early 4th century saint, Natalia, the wife of St. Adrian of Nicomedia (then a region of the Roman Empire, but now located in modern-day Turkey). Adrian was a high-ranking imperial guard of the Emperor Maximium at a time when Christianity was outlawed by the then-pagan Roman Empire. Given his high stature in the Empire, Adrian himself often presided over the tortures and executions of Christians. During one such event, a group of Christians were being persecuted for their faith and when asked by Adrian what reward they expected by God, the Christians quoted 1 Corinthians 2:9: “Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, what things God has prepared for those who love Him.” Apparently Adrian was so impressed by the strength of their faith, he converted on the spot. Then (and this is the best part), he imprisoned himself for breaking the law! His wife Natalia disguised herself as a boy, visited Adrian in jail and asked that he pray for her when he reached heaven. The Eastern Orthodox Church recognized Natalia as a saint in her own right (although she was not technically martyred with her husband), but the Roman Catholic Church does not. This is why Eastern Europeans were the first to adopt the name Natalie as Natalya, Natasha, Nataša, etc. Eventually the name made its way out West and Natalie/Natalia was often given to baby girls born on December 25th (i.e., Christmas Day). Today the name Natalie is most popular in North America (the U.S. and Canada).

All About the Baby Name – Natalie

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME NATALIE

The number Eight personality has everything to do with power, wealth and abundance. Somehow, this personality has been blessed on the material plane, but their authoritative and problem-solving traits provide evidence that their good fortunes are not just the luck of the lottery. They are well earned. This is the personality of CEOs and high-ranking military personnel. Eights are intensely active, hard-driving individuals. Success is only meaningful to them after a job well-done.  They are remarkable in their ability to see the larger picture right down to the smallest details, and organize a strategy around success. They then have the ability to direct a group around them toward any goal, and realize individual potential to get the most out of their team.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME NATALIE

As a female given name in the United States, Natalie has been in circulation for over a century. The name bumped around the popularity charts at moderate levels of usage for most of the 20th century. It wasn’t until 1976 that Natalie finally achieved Top 100 status in America. Since that time, the name keeps chasing to the top of the charts and seems to be parking herself comfortably on the Top 20 list. Natalie has a sophisticated quality given its roots in Latin and French. It’s also an obvious favorite for Christmas babies.

Quick Facts

ON NATALIE

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

21

PRONUNCIATION:

NAD-ah-lee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Christmas Day

Characteristics

OF NATALIE

Authoritative

Powerful

Tough

Tenacious

Wealthy

Problem-solver

Achiever

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Natalie

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME NATALIE

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Natalie

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME NATALIE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Natalie


Popular Songs

ON NATALIE

Natalie
a song by Ola Svensson

Natalie and Effie in the Park
a song by Of Montreal

Natalie's Song
a piano solo by Wayne Gratz

If You See Natalie
a song by Eels

Believe Me Natalie
a song by The Killers

Famous People

NAMED NATALIE

Natalie Cole (musician)
Natalie Portman (actress)
Natalie Gulbis (golfer)
Natalie Imbruglia (musician)
Natalie Merchant (musician)
Natalie Wood (actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED NATALIE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Natalie

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME NATALIE

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Natalie