Donato
A name of Latin Christian origin meaning “given” or “given to God,” often adopted from a saint’s name.
The #4,533 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 39,466 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Donato comes from Latin Donatus, meaning “given” or “gifted.” In Christian use, it was understood as “given to God,” and it spread through the cult of Saint Donatus and related saintly names. The surname is most likely a hereditary form taken from a personal name rather than from an occupation or place.
History
The name was used as a personal name in medieval Latin and later became a surname in Italy and other Romance-speaking areas. Historical writers also note related forms such as Donati, while some Irish evidence shows similar-looking names sometimes being linked by analogy rather than direct descent. In modern usage, Donato remains especially associated with Italian and Italian diaspora families.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
A medieval “donatus” could refer to someone formally dedicated to a monastery or church, not just a child with a pious name.
From the historical record
“à Dieu. Donat, Donati, Donato. Noms de saint Donat. Du latin Donatus : donné (c'est-à-dire : donné à Dieu). I Un donat était au«ei autrefois celui qui donnait à un couvent sa personne et sou bien (oc).”
— Dictionnaire des noms (French surnames)