Declining since 2009, #6,446 for boys today.
Popularity of Donato since 1890
Babies named Donato per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1926, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Donato's real moment was 1913.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 10 |
| 1900s | 11 |
| 1910s | 241 |
| 1920s | 403 |
| 1930s | 236 |
| 1940s | 217 |
| 1950s | 252 |
| 1960s | 277 |
| 1970s | 252 |
| 1980s | 255 |
| 1990s | 264 |
| 2000s | 322 |
| 2010s | 256 |
| 2020s | 130 |
Meaning & origin
Donato is a classic Italian and Spanish name with roots in Latin, meaning 'given.' It has been in use in the United States since at least 1890, with its peak popularity occurring in 1913. Since 2009, the name has been on a declining trajectory, but it remains a meaningful choice for families honoring Italian or Spanish heritage. In 2025, the name ranked 6,446th, with only about 1 in 131,390 boys receiving it, making it a distinctive option. While it has never been among the top names nationally, Donato carries a timeless religious significance tied to early Christian saints, and it continues to be valued for its simplicity and deep cultural resonance.
Donato derives from the Late Latin name Donatus, meaning 'given' (past participle of donare 'to give'). It was borne by several early Christian saints, including Saint Donatus of Arezzo, and became common in Italy and Spain as a given name expressing that the child was a gift from God. The name has been in steady use in Italian-speaking regions since the Middle Ages, often given to boys born around Easter or other religious feasts.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dono, Donatino, Nato
Variants: Donatus, Donat, Donatas
Sibling names for Donato
Names that share Donato's style, for a brother or sister.
