Donatella is a feminine given name of Italian origin. It comes from the Latin word "donatus," which means "gift" or "given." The name Donatella is derived from the male name Donato, and it has been traditionally used in Italy for centuries.
The name Donatella was popularized by several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of this name is Donatella Versace, the Italian fashion designer who inherited her brother Gianni's fashion empire after his death in 1997. She served as the creative director and vice-president of the Versace Group until 2018.
Another notable figure with the name Donatella is Donatella Calabrese, an Italian mathematician known for her work on differential geometry and global analysis. Born in Naples in 1943, she became a full professor at the University of Naples Federico II in 1976, making significant contributions to her field.
In literature, the name Donatella appears as the main character's mother in Gabriel García Márquez's novel "One Hundred Years of Solitude." The character is depicted as a strong and caring woman who supports her family through difficult times.
Today, the name Donatella continues to be used in Italy and other parts of Europe, often chosen for its distinctive sound and Italian heritage. Although it may not be as widespread as some other feminine names, it remains a unique and elegant choice for parents looking for a meaningful and uncommon name for their daughter.
The name Donatella has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. The first recorded birth with this name occurred in 1967, with only five newborns given this name that year.
There was an uptick in births with the name Donatella in 1998 and 1999, with nine births each year. This trend continued into the new millennium, reaching a peak of 25 births in 2020.
However, there have been years where the popularity of the name declined significantly. For instance, between 2005 and 2007, there were only five to seven births each year with the name Donatella.
Overall, since 1967 until now (2023), a total of 340 newborns have been named Donatella in the United States. It is clear that while not extremely popular, the name Donatella has maintained some level of popularity over time.