All about the name

Donato

Male

« Donato is an Italian masculine given name derived from the Latin word 'donatus', meaning "given". »

#4842 last year

Meaning, origin, history

Donato is an Italian masculine given name derived from the Latin word 'donatus', which means "given". The name was particularly popular in southern Italy and among the nobility during the Middle Ages. The origin of the name can be traced back to Saint Donatus, a bishop of Arezzo who lived in the 4th century. Saint Donatus was known for his devotion to the Christian faith and his generous acts towards the poor. Due to his popularity as a saint, his name became widely used among Christians throughout Europe. In literature, Donato is also associated with the Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, who named one of the characters in his novel "Don Quixote" Donato, a friend of the main character. Today, Donato remains a popular name in Italy and other parts of Southern Europe. It is often shortened to variations such as Donatello or Donato. Despite its long history and widespread use, Donato has maintained its unique charm and continues to be chosen by parents for their sons.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Donato since 1880

Total births
3,095
Total since 1880
Peak year
1926
54 births
in 2023
21
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+23%
vs previous 5 years