Hi, My name is Mason Hnatiw, I am part of the Hnatiw family living in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Recently, one of my relatives invested to get research done on the origin of the name Hnatiw. So here goes my interpretation....
Hnatiw is a name of Ukranian origin. The word "Hnat" derives from the greek word "Ignatius", meaning "fire" or "of fire". The name Hnatiw was used by followers of St. Ignatius of Antioch.
In traditional Russian, the name Hnatiw translates to "Ignatiw". The shield of Hnatiw is a field of red with a tree trunk with five roots, with three pine trees growing from the single trunk. Above the shield is a knight of sorts, holding the three pointed tree in one hand, with what looks to be a scroll or sword in the other.
Well that's it. I hope you are as proud of your heritage as I am!
-Mason Hnatiw