Donat is a masculine given name used primarily in Polish and French, derived from the Late Latin name Donatus, meaning "given". The name originates from the Latin verb donare ("to give"), and was adopted by early Christians to signify that a child was a gift from God, or alternatively that the child was dedicated to God. Donat is the Polish and French form of Donatus, while related forms exist across other languages and cultures. Etymology The Latin name Donatus is a past participle meaning "given," and it was used as a cognomen in ancient Rome. In the early Christian era, it became a popular baptismal name, reflecting the belief that a newborn was a divine gift. The name spread throughout Europe through the veneration of several early saints bearing this name. Other variants include Italian Donatello (a diminutive), Spanish Donato, Hungarian Donát, and Lithuanian Donatas. St. Donat and Notable Bearers Several early Christian saints were named Donatus, contributing to the name's popularity in the Middle Ages. Among them were a 4th-century leader of a Christian sect known as the Donatists (though this is a separate historical figure), a 6th-century hermit of Sisteron in Provence, and a 7th-century bishop of Besançon. In the arts, the name is famously connected to the Renaissance sculptor Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi, known as Donatello, and to the architect Donato Bramante. The Roman catechist Aelius Donatus, a 4th-century grammarian, also bore the name. Distribution and Usage Donat is primarily found in Poland, France, and other East European countries such as Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. It is also used in German-speaking regions. The feminine counterpart in Polish is Donata. Meaning: "Given" (a gift from God) Origin: Latin (Donatus) Type: First name Usage regions: Polish, French, East European Notable saints: Donatus of Arezzo, Donatus of Sisteron, Donatus of Besançon