Dato

“gift”
Georgian origin · Unisex name
♂ 50% boys♀ 50% girls
#1590US 2023
10Births / yr
→Stable
Top 1.2%Percentile

What does Dato mean and where does it come from?

Dato is a diminutive form of the name Davit, which is derived from the Hebrew name David, meaning 'beloved'.

Cultural significance
In Georgian culture, Dato is a common name often associated with positive traits such as generosity and kindness.
Peak popularity
Reached #1590 in 2015 — currently #1590 in the US.
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Related Reading
Georgian-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Dato?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Dato?

Dato works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Dato Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Dato John
One syllable · timeless choice
Dato Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Dato Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Dato Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Dato Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Dato
Browse ideas →

How popular is Dato right now?

Holding steady — currently #1590 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2019–2023#1590 · Top 1.2%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#159010stable
2022#159010stable
2021#159010stable
2020#159010stable
2019#159010—
💎Dato is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Dato?

Common
DatDatieDaty

Famous people named Dato

DS
Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Razak
Former Prime Minister of Malaysia, serving from 2009 to 2018.
DL
Dato' Lee Chong Wei
Retired Malaysian badminton player, a three-time Olympic silver medalist.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
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Common questions about the name Dato

What does the name Dato mean?
Dato means "gift" — a name rooted in Georgian tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Dato?
Dato is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Dato?
Dato originates from Georgian tradition. Georgian names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Dato a common or rare name?
Dato is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Dato more of a girl or boy name?
Dato is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.