Viltautė is a Lithuanian feminine given name. It is the feminine form of the masculine name Viltautas, which derives from the Lithuanian elements viltis "hope" and tauta "people, nation". Thus, Viltautė carries the meaning "hope of the people" or "hope of the nation".
The name belongs to the rich tradition of Lithuanian compound names that incorporate the suffix -taut-, reflecting the importance of the concept of "people" in Baltic naming customs. Names such as Vytautas and Šarūnas also share this element. Viltautė is a distinctly feminine adaptation, offering a softer ending while retaining the original's nationalistic and hopeful connotation.
Variants include the diminutive Viltė, a shorter and more informal form. The name is exclusively used in Lithuanian-speaking context, though it is relatively uncommon even there.
Usage
Primarily Lithuania; secular usage with no direct religious ties.
Key Facts
- Meaning: "Hope of the people" (from viltis "hope" + tauta "people")
- Origin: Lithuanian, feminine form of Viltautas
- Reduction: Diminutive form Viltė