The word Datta means `` Given '' , Datta is called so because the divine trinity have `` given '' themselves in the form of a son to the sage couple Atri and Anasuya . He is the son of Atri , hence the name `` Atreya . '' The name Dattatreya can be divided into two words - `` Datta '' ( meaning given ) and `` Atreya '' referring to the sage Atri , his physical father ) .