Bagrat is an Armenian and Georgian male given name, serving as the local form of the Old Persian name Bagadata. The name is now uncommon in Georgia but holds historical significance. Its meaning, "gift of God," derives from the Old Persian elements 𐏎 (baga) "god" and 𐎭𐎠𐎫 (data) "given." This etymology underpins its cultural weight across Armenia and Georgia, where it was borne by numerous medieval rulers. Etymology The name Bagrat originates from the Old Persian Bagadāta, composed of baga ("god") and data ("given"), parallel to the Greek Theodoros (Theodore). In Armenian, the name is spelled Բագրատ and can also appear as Pakrad in Western Armenian. In Georgian, it is rendered as ბაგრატ. The name gave rise to the Armenian dynasty Bagratuni and the Georgian dynasty Bagrationi, whose names literally mean "the house of Bagrat." Historical Context Bagrat was predominantly used by Georgian monarchs during the medieval and early modern periods. Notable bearers included Bagrat III of Georgia (d. 1014), who united several Georgian kingdoms, and Bagrat IV (d. 1072), under whom the Kingdom of Georgia flourished. Many Georgian princes and kings of Imereti, Klarjeti, Tao, and other regions also bore the name. Conversely, Bagrat was not as common among Armenian royalty, though the Bagratid dynasty likely derived its name from an early bearer. Today, the name is rare but retains deep cultural resonance. Cultural Significance Due to its religious denotation ("gift of God"), Bagrat aligns with similar names in Semitic and Indo-European traditions, reinforcing the idea of a divinely bestowed child. The name's survival in Armenian and Georgian contexts speaks to the lasting influence of Persian onomastics in the Caucasus. Meaning: "gift of God" (Old Persian) Origin: Old Persian, via Armenian and Georgian Type: Given name Traditions: Armenian and Georgian Usage regions: Armenia, Georgia (historical)