The name Dathan is of Hebrew origin and means son of the law or son of the judge. Dathan is a rare name, and its usage has been mostly limited to the Jewish and Christian traditions. In the Bible, Dathan is one of the sons of Eliab, a Levite who was appointed as a leader of the tribe of Reuben during the journey through the wilderness. Dathan and his brother Abiram were known for their rebellion against Moses and Aaron, and they were among the leaders of the group that opposed the appointment of Moses as the leader of the Israelites. The rebellion led by Dathan and Abiram was seen as a challenge to Moses' authority and a rejection of God's appointed leadership. As a result of their rebellion, Dathan and Abiram, along with their families and followers, were swallowed up by the earth, as recorded in Numbers 16:1-35. The story of Dathan and Abiram's rebellion is often seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of submitting to God's authority. Despite the negative connotations associated with Dathan's rebellion, the name Dathan has been used by some parents as a way of expressing their faith and connection to Jewish and Christian traditions. Dathan has also been used as a surname, and there have been several notable people throughout history with the surname Dathan, including politicians, artists, and athletes. In modern times, the name Dathan has gained some popularity as a given name, particularly in the United States, where it has been ranked among the top 1000 names for boys since the 1970s. Overall, the name Dathan has a rich history and cultural significance, particularly in Jewish and Christian traditions. While its association with rebellion may be a cautionary tale, it has also been used by many parents as a way of expressing their faith and connection to these traditions.

The root form of Dathan is Dathan — meaning Fountain.

Dathan remains a beloved choice, ranking #14 in the US. Timeless appeal across cultures and generations.