Find out how popular the first name Fortunato has been for the last 47 years (from 1974 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Fortunato by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Fortunato is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Fortunato.

The history of the first name Fortunato

The name Fortunato has its origins in Latin, where it stems from the word "fortuna," meaning fortune or luck. It emerged during the Roman era, often given to children as a symbol of the parents' wishes for their offspring to have a blessed and fortunate life.

In ancient Rome, Fortuna was the goddess of fortune, luck, and fate. The name Fortunato was used as an invocation for her divine favor and protection. It carried spiritual significance and was believed to bring good fortune to the bearer.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Fortunato date back to the 1st century AD. One notable example is Fortunato, a Christian martyr who lived during the reign of Emperor Diocletian in the late 3rd century. He was put to death for his faith and later venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Fortunato was relatively common in Italy, particularly in the regions of Tuscany and Umbria. It was often associated with the noble and wealthy classes, reflecting the aspirations of prosperity and good luck.

During the Renaissance, several notable figures bore the name Fortunato. One such individual was Fortunato Felice, an Italian painter and architect who lived from 1470 to 1515. His works adorned churches and palaces in Tuscany, showcasing his artistic talents.

Another renowned Fortunato was Fortunato Depero, an Italian artist, writer, and designer who lived from 1892 to 1960. He was a prominent figure in the Futurist movement and is celebrated for his innovative contributions to various artistic disciplines.

In literature, the name Fortunato is famously associated with the character from Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Cask of Amontillado." Published in 1846, the story features a character named Fortunato who meets a grim fate at the hands of the narrator, Montresor.

Other notable individuals with the name Fortunato include Fortunato Frederico Padilha, a Brazilian military leader and politician who lived from 1835 to 1900, and Fortunato Venanzio, an Italian composer and musicologist who lived from 1600 to 1679.

While the name Fortunato has its roots in ancient Rome and was widely used throughout Europe, particularly in Italy, it has also found its way into other cultures and languages over time, carrying with it the symbolism of good fortune and prosperity.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Fortunato was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Fortunato, please contact us.

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