Donat

Donat is a masculine given name, which is also written as Donát. It is used as a first name extensively and to some extent, as a surname. It is derived from Latin "Donatus" past participle of "donare" meaning ‘to give’.^[1] The name was used by early Christians, either because the birth of a child was seen as a gift from God, or else because the child was in turn dedicated to God.^[2] Its origins are primarily East European ranging across Polish, Hungarian,^[3] Albanian, Slovak, Czech, German but it can be traced to French and English origins as well.^[1][2][4] The Spanish, Portugal and Italian variant is Donato.^[5]

The name was borne by early Christian saints – among them a 4th-century leader of a Christian sect,^[6] a 6th-century hermit of Sisteron^[7][8] and a 7th-century bishop of Besançon all of whom contributed to the popularity of the baptismal name in the Middle Ages. Another notable historical figure was Aelius Donatus, a grammarian and commentator on Virgil.^[9][10][11]

With no relation to the name whatsoever, Donatism^[12][13] was a centuries-old Christian sect which is no longer in effect. It may have gradually declined because Donatists and orthodox Catholics were equally marginalised by the Arian Vandals. It is unknown how long Donatism persisted.

In present day, the name is most popular among Hungarians who celebrate its Name Day on February 17.^[14]