Surname Donatus - Meaning and Origin
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Donatus: What does the surname Donatus mean?
The last name Donatus is of Latin origin and is derived from the given name "Donatus." The name was most likely derived from the Latin word "donare" which means "to give." This last name and its variations are found in locations all over the world, including countries in Europe, the Americas, and Australasia.
The name Donatus refers to a generous person, as it is derived from the Latin word "donare" which means "to give." Historically, the name was often given to individuals who were given great honor or esteem. Throughout history, the name has been varied in different languages as Donato, Dennet, Donatus or Donnato, and Giovanni.
The coat of arms for the Donatus surname consists of a red lion rampant on a blue shield with the head of a bull on its shoulder and surrounded by three red stars. This symbol is indicative of strength, power, and courage which were often associated with those who carried the name.
The last name Donatus connotes many different meanings and has a fascinating history. The Latin root "donare" serves as a reminder of the nominator's gift-giving nature, while the coat of arms indicates strength and courage. The name is spread across multiple cultures and is shown to have been in use for centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisDonatus: Where does the name Donatus come from?
The last name Donatus is believed to have originated in France and is now found primarily in Italy. This surname is also found in other countries such as Germany, Switzerland, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Brazil.
The Donatus surname likely originated as a borrow from the Latin word Donatus, which means given or donated. The surname appears to have been established as a nickname, which was a common practice in medieval Europe, to identify a person who had received a donation or benefaction of some sort. The Donatus surname is thought to have arisen in the Middle Ages and may have been held in honour of a patron.
In Italy, the Donatus name is most common in the southern regions of Calabria, Campania, and Sicily. However, the Donatus surname can also be found in major Italian cities such as Rome and Naples.
Outside of Italy, the surname is modestly represented in many countries. In Germany, its most common place of origin is North Rhine-Westphalia. In the United States, it is most common in Louisiana. In the United Kingdom, it is most common in London and its closest neighboring counties.
The Donatus surname has become much less common in recent years, but its legacy remains alive through the people who share its name.
Variations of the surname Donatus
Donatus is a surname of Italian, Latin and Greek origin. It is derived from the Latin personal name Donatus, meaning “given” or “gift”.
Variant spellings of the surname Donatus include Donato, Donat, Donatti, Donatello, Donatoi, Donatiello, Donatta, Donati and Donáti.
Surnames of the same origin include Donat, Donatucci, Donatiello, Donatto, Donati, Donattini, Donatini, Donato, Donatoni, Donatucci, Dondati, Dondato, Dondattini, Dondatti and Dondatucci.
In Italian the surname is mainly found in Central and Northern Italy, in France it is usually found in the area of Nice, and in the United States and Canada, the Donati family migrated mainly from Northern Italy.
The Donati family crest is made up of a dove holding an olive branch in its beak, which is a symbol of peace and harmony, and the motto of the family is “Semper Fidelis”, which translates to “always faithful”.
Throughout its history, the Donati surname has been associated with the notion of gifts and giving with many family members being renowned for their philanthropy and charitable work. This includes the Italian military officer Antonio Donati, the Italian politician Caterina Donati and the Italian sculptor Francesco Donati.
Famous people with the name Donatus
- Arnaud Donadey: French professional footballer who has played for the Ligue 2 club Troyes AC since 2016.
- F. Donatus, Marquess of Barga: Member of the German nobility and a political activist.
- Primo Donatus: Italian Roman Catholic bishop and cardinal in the 15th century.
- Antonio de Donato: Dominican friar, philosopher and theologian of the 15th century.
- Francis Xavier Bonaventure Donatus: Italian theologian, librarian and archivist in the 17th century.
- Meinardus Donatus: German composer of the late 16th to early 17th century.
- Edward Donatus: American bishop in the 19th century.
- Julián de Donato: Argentinian politician in the 20th century.
- George Donatus, Prince of Liechtenstein: Member of the Liechtenstein noble family in the 20th century.
- Kyrian Donatus: Nigerian athlete of the 21st century.