Adeodatus
Adeodatus Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
Meaning of Adeodatus: Adeodatus is a Latin name meaning “given by God,” formed from a (from, by), Deo (God, ablative of Deus), and datus (given, past participle of dare).
It is a Latin calque of the Greek Theodoros (Theodore)—which carries the same meaning, “gift of God”—and related to the Latin Donatus (given, gifted). The name expresses the belief that the child is a divine gift, a common sentiment expressed across many languages and religious traditions.
The most significant historical bearer is Adeodatus (born c. 372 CE), the illegitimate son of Saint Augustine of Hippo, born before Augustine’s conversion to Christianity. Augustine’s Confessions describes his son with evident love, and Adeodatus—nicknamed “Filius” (son)—was baptized alongside his father in 387.
What Does Adeodatus Mean? Origin & Etymology
He died young, probably around 389 CE. Augustine wrote a philosophical dialogue, De Magistro, in dialogue with his son, which Adeodatus gives remarkable intellectual responses. Two early popes also bore this name: Adeodatus I (pope 615–618) and Adeodatus II (pope 672–676).
Adeodatus is rare as a modern given name. It persisted in Catholic communities through the medieval period—particularly in Italy, France, and England—where Augustinian devotion was strong.
Today it appears occasionally in families with devotion to Saint Augustine or interest in late antique Christian history. The English equivalent Deusdedit (also meaning “given by God”) and the simpler Theodore have long since superseded it in common usage.
Further reading: etymology records and US popularity records from SSA.
Numerology & Symbolism of Adeodatus
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Adeodatus – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Adeodatus
What does Adeodatus mean?
How popular is Adeodatus?
Adeodatus is rarely used in the United States but maintains its standing in Late Roman. SSA records show no significant US ranking for this name.
Is Adeodatus a boy or girl name?
Adeodatus is used as both a masculine and feminine given name in its home tradition. The name is most common in Late Roman communities.
What are variants of Adeodatus?
Adeodatus has related forms in other languages: Déodat (French), Diodato (Italian), Deodato (Portuguese). These variants all share the same root and meaning.