Find out how popular the first name Vitas has been for the last 1 years (from 1981 to 1981) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Vitas by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Vitas is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1981, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Vitas.

The history of the first name Vitas

The given name Vitas has its origins in the Latin language and can be traced back to ancient Roman times. It is derived from the Latin word "vita," which means "life." This name's etymology suggests that it was likely bestowed upon children with the hope of a long and prosperous life.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Vitas can be found in the writings of the Roman historian Livy, who mentions a Roman soldier named Vitas Antistius who fought in the Second Punic War against Hannibal in the 3rd century BC. The name also appears in various Roman inscriptions and records from that era.

In the early Christian era, the name gained popularity among adherents of the faith, as it was seen as a symbolic representation of the eternal life promised by the teachings of Jesus Christ. Saint Vitus, a Christian martyr from Sicily who was martyred in the early 4th century, is one of the most notable historical figures to bear this name. His feast day, celebrated on June 15th, was widely observed throughout medieval Europe.

During the Middle Ages, the name Vitas was commonly used across various European regions, particularly in Eastern Europe. One notable bearer of the name was Vitas Gerulaitis, a Lithuanian-American tennis player who was born in 1954 and achieved fame in the 1970s and 1980s for his success on the professional circuit.

In the Renaissance period, the name Vitas found favor among humanist scholars and intellectuals who appreciated its classical roots and association with the Latin language. One such individual was Vitas Miliunas, a Lithuanian writer and translator who lived from 1492 to 1557 and played a significant role in the development of Lithuanian literature.

Another historical figure bearing the name Vitas was Vitas Bering, a Danish-born explorer and navigator who is best known for his expeditions in the North Pacific and the discovery of the Bering Strait, which separates Asia and North America. He lived from 1681 to 1741 and made significant contributions to the field of cartography and exploration.

While the name Vitas has ancient roots and a rich historical legacy, it has remained relatively uncommon in modern times, particularly in Western cultures. However, it continues to be used in various Eastern European countries, particularly in Lithuania, where it holds cultural significance.

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 Vitas was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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