Netanya or Natanya? How to spell and say the city's name
Netanya, Natanya, Netania… Why the Israeli city has several English spellings, which one is official, and how to pronounce it.
Searching for an apartment on Israel's Mediterranean coast, you have probably come across both Netanya and Natanya, and now and then Netania or Nethanya. They are all the same city, about 30 km north of Tel Aviv.
Why does Netanya have more than one English spelling?
The name is Hebrew: נתניה. Everyday Hebrew is written without vowels, and there is no single rule for writing it in Latin letters, so the first vowel ended up as an "e" in some places and an "a" in others.
Which spelling is correct, Netanya or Natanya?
Netanya is the official spelling: it is the one used by the municipality and on road signs, and the most common one on maps, in the English-language media and on property sites. Natanya is a recognised alternative (Wikipedia and Wikivoyage both give it), not a mistake. If you are searching for homes, "Netanya" will bring up the most results.
How do you pronounce Netanya?
In Hebrew the stress falls on the last syllable: ne-tan-YA. Many English speakers say ne-TAN-ya; locals will understand you either way.
Where does the name come from?
Founded in 1929, the city is named after Nathan Straus (in Hebrew, Natan), the American philanthropist and co-owner of Macy's, who supported many projects in the Land of Israel.
Is there an English-speaking community in Netanya?
Yes. Nefesh B'Nefesh, which helps immigrants from North America and the UK, describes Netanya as having a large English-speaking population, and the city has a branch of AACI (the Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel). Neighborhoods popular with new immigrants include Ir Yamim, Ramat Poleg, Kiryat Hasharon and the seafront along Nitza Boulevard.
Spellings you'll come across
Netanya · Natanya · Netania · Natania · Nethanya · נתניה
Whichever spelling you searched for, all our listings are in Netanya and its neighborhoods: Nitza, Kikar, Ir Yamim, Ein Hatchelet, Ramat Poleg…