vitus

Vitus is a masculine given name of Latin origin. It has historical usage across Europe and is most closely associated with Saint Vitus, a Christian martyr whose cult spread widely in medieval Europe.

Saint Vitus is traditionally dated to the late third or early fourth century. According to tradition, he suffered martyrdom during the persecution of Diocletian. His veneration spread through Italy, Germany, and the Alpine regions, and he became the patron saint of dancers, actors, and epileptics. His feast day is June 15 in many Western calendars, and the term St. Vitus' Dance—now called Sydenham chorea—entered medical vocabulary to describe a neurological condition historically linked to his intercession.

Several churches and places are named after him, including St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague, a prominent church within Prague Castle dedicated to Saint Vitus. His name also appears in toponyms and cultural references across Europe.

Notable individuals named Vitus include Vitus Bering (c. 1681–1741), a Danish-born explorer in Russian service who led early expeditions to the North Pacific and for whom the Bering Strait is named.

Today, Vitus remains in use as a given name, particularly in German-speaking and Nordic regions, often chosen in honor of the saint or through family tradition.