Choosing a baby's name is tough. We totally understand, and that's why we've put together a list of Catholic saint names for boys and girls inspired by these divinities who dedicated their lives to faith and the highest moral values. And we know that when you think of Catholic names, "modern" may not be the first word that comes to mind, but the idea that all Catholic saint names are antiquated is, er, antiquated. Of course, there are a bunch of Old Testament-inspired names that will not necessarily sound fresh or modern nowadays. However, there are still many options available that allow you to honor your faith and name your child after a saint without naming them Abraham or Philomena.
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Catholic tradition used to dictate that if you were going to baptize your child, you were expected to give them a name that honored a saint, angel, or biblical figure. That naming tradition has since gotten a bit more loosey-goosey, and you can certainly baptize your child without them having a name inspired by the Bible. Still, just because something is no longer required doesn't mean that you can't do it. You might want to give your child a saint's name as a confirmation of your faith or because you want them to be inspired by the Christian ideals and values that a particular saint represents. And so we present you with a few lovely options to consider.
Adrian in honor of St. Adrian of Nicomedia
You may not have even known this is a saint's name, because it is quite a popular and modern pick for boys. Plus, it's one of the more strong saint names for boys that you can find and will likely be attached to an outgoing personality.
Aeden in honor of the Irish St. Aedan or Aidan
This name is great because besides being inspired by a saint, it is super hip. There are many boys (and some girls) named Aidan, but Aeden is a rarer choice, which makes it perfect if you are looking for your choice to stand out.
Alban in honor of St. Alban, a British Christian martyr
Alban is not only a great Catholic saint name that is short and catchy, but the story behind how Alban, recognized as the first martyr of Britain, became a saint is also pretty cool.
Blane in honor of St. Blane, who was a bishop
This name may sound like a country music star's name, but it is actually a Catholic saint's name. St. Blane was a consecrated bishop from Scotland who made a pilgrimage to Rome and is said to have performed miracles.
Brendan in honor of St. Brendan the Navigator or Voyager
St. Brendan the Voyager was an Irish priest who became one of the most well-known missionaries who traveled throughout Europe and spread the Catholic faith. How cool to be named after a voyager!
Conan after St. Conan, who was a bishop
Although it may sound like the name of a great Viking warrior or a certain barbarian, Conan is also a Catholic saint name for boys. He was a missionary and bishop during the seventh century.
Cyrus in honor of St. Cyrus, an Alexandrian doctor
It's a very old name, of a man who practiced medicine in Jerusalem, which basically means he was seen as nothing short of a magician. However, the name stands out, and it is still short and recognizable, which makes it quite trendy in urban areas in America.
Edwin in honor of St. Edwin of Northumbria
I've always felt Edwin is a great name for a baby boy. It sounds Dutch, or even Scandinavian, but it is in fact the name of the first king of Northumbria, a medieval region in Northern England.
Fabian in honor of St. Fabian, who was also Pope Fabian
This one is perfect because it goes well both in English and Spanish, although it has a definite French air. He lived during the third century, and his feast day is celebrated on January 20.
Gerard in honor of St. Gerard Majella
A wonderful Catholic saint name, full of energy and sophistication. But also, he's the patron saint of expectant mothers. He was born in Italy and grew up poor. Throughout his life, he is said to have performed miracles.
Hugh in honor of St. Hugh of Lincoln
It is a Catholic saint's name that is short and powerful and sounds totally modern. He was also known as St. Hugh of Avalon. He was a French nobleman who also became a Benedictine and Carthusian monk.
James in honor of St. James the Great
This saint is very well known in the Catholic faith, as the apostle James was a key figure in the Bible, but nowadays the name is super trendy. Whether you love LeBron James, James Rodríguez, or James Bond, the name is bound to be a hit with your new baby boy.
Kilian in honor of St. Kilian the Irish missionary and bishop
Kilian was a martyr from the seventh century AD, but beyond that, his name is not overused, and yet it has this special vibe that makes it quite attractive. It can also be spelled as Killian.
Leo in honor of St. Leo the Great or many other Leos
Whether you use Leonardo, Leon, or Leo, you are giving your child an amazing name. A name of popes, and the diminutive for some great men of science (like Leonardo da Vinci) and powerful emperors (Leonidas). The name is definitely trendy nowadays because just like the name Diego became a hit in the '90s (because of Diego Maradona), many soccer lovers are choosing Leo after Maradona's fellow countryman Lionel "Leo" Messi.
Maximus in honor of a variety of saints with the name
If you loved Gladiator, then you must love Maximus as a name for your next baby. There are various saints named Maximus in the Catholic faith, so choose your favorite. Your son can go by Max while he is a child.
Philip in honor of St. Philip the Apostle
Philip is a very modern-sounding saint name for boys. St. Philip was one of the 12 apostles. His feast day is celebrated on November 14. You could also choose to go with Phillip, a different spelling of the name.
Sebastian in honor of St. Sebastian, a martyr
St. Sebastian died in the third century. He is the patron saint of archers, athletes, and those who want to have a saintly death. His feast day is celebrated on January 20.
Simon in honor of St. Simon the Zealot
St. Simon was an apostle. He is said to have preached the Gospel in Egypt. His feast day is celebrated on October 28 in the west and June 19 in the east. He was martyred by being cut in half with a saw.
Valentine in honor of St. Valentine, patron saint of lovers
This Catholic saint name is for the adventurous. Paying respect to the patron saint of lovers is amazing, and while the name is quite popular in Spanish, it isn't as much in English. Still, it will make your kid stand out in the crowd, and he can carry it with pride.
Xavier in honor of St. Francis Xavier, a Spanish Jesuit
Not only is Xavier one of the coolest comic book characters of all time, but it is also quite a distinguished name. St. Xavier was one of the first Jesuits, traveling to China in the 16th century to spread the Catholic faith.
Agatha in honor of St. Agatha of Sicily
St. Agatha lived during the third century and is one of the most iconic saint names for girls that you can choose for your little one. She is the patron saint of breast cancer patients, rape victims, and wet nurses. She is also invoked to protect against fire. Her feast day is celebrated on February 5.
Alexis in honor of St. Alexis of Rome
This beautiful name is inspired by a male saint, but the name works regardless of gender. St. Alexis was born to a rich Roman senator, and his parents wanted him to marry a rich woman. On the day of his wedding, the woman he was supposed to marry gave him permission to leave her and serve God instead.
Anastasia in honor of St. Anastasia the Healer
This sounds quite like an aristocratic name. It is the name of a Catholic saint, a martyr born in Sirmium, a northern region of the Roman Empire.
Anne in honor of the mother of the Virgin Mary
I've always loved how short and sweet Anne sounds. Even more so than Anna or Ana. It is a very delicate name, but also full of warmth, and it is inspired by the Catholic saint who was the mother of Virgin Mary.
Bridget in honor of St. Bridget of Sweden
She lived during the 14th century and founded the Bridgittines, also known as the Order of the Most Holy Savior. She was a mystic of great influence. Her feast day is celebrated on July 23.
Cecilia in honor of St. Cecilia, a Roman martyr
A beautiful saint name for girl that sounds great in Spanish and English. Her feast day is celebrated on November 22, and she is the patron saint of music and musicians. She lived during the third century.
Clare in honor of St. Clare of Assisi
St. Clare of Assisi was the daughter of a noble Roman family. She is the patron saint of eye disease, goldsmiths, laundry, and television. Yeah, the television part caught us by surprise too, but it's true. She's the patron saint of TV.
Colette in honor of St. Colette of Corbi
It will come as no surprise that St. Colette was from France because her name sounds very French. Colette was a very hip name in the 1920s in Paris, and as with everything from that era, it has made a comeback. You cannot deny it has beautiful ring to it, and you can see it aging well with your baby.
Faith in honor of St. Faith of Conques
She lived during the third century and died in the early fourth century. She is the patron saint of pilgrims, prisoners, and soldiers. Her feast day is celebrated on October 6.
Helena in honor of St. Helena, the mother of Constantine I
St. Helena was the mother of Constantine the Great, one of the most important kings of the Roman Empire. Helena was also the name of a powerful Greek warrior. There you go. Two amazing reasons to name your baby girl Helena.
Hillary in honor of St. Hillary, a bishop
Hillary Clinton mobilized the masses and made her name synonymous with being strong, prepared, and independent. Little do most know that she shares the name with a Catholic saint. St. Hillary was a male bishop, though. The name is also derived from the Latin "hilarius," which means cheerful.
Isabel in honor of St. Isabel of France
She was the daughter of King Louis VIII of France and refused many offers of marriage because she wanted to remain a virgin and dedicate her life to God. Her feast day is celebrated on February 26.
Jane in honor of St. Jane Frances de Chantal
She is the cofounder of the Visitation Order in France, and her feast day is celebrated on August 21. She is the patron saint of forgotten people, widows, and parents who have been separated from their children, and that is why it is one of the most beautiful Catholic saint names to give to your daughter.
Joan in honor of St. Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc lived during the 15th century and is the patron saint of soldiers and France. She believed that God had called upon her to help France defeat the English in war. She had no military training at all, but somehow she led the French army to victory in the city of Orléans.
Julie in honor of St. Julie Billiart
She was born in 1751 and died in 1816. As a child, she used to love to play "school" and spent most of her life teaching. She cofounded the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Her feast day is celebrated on April 8.
Matilda in honor of Matilda of Ringelheim
This used to be quite an old name, but it has made a comeback in the last few years. It is inspired by a Catholic saint who was the Queen of Germany in the 10th century.
Melania in honor of St. Melania the Younger
She was the daughter of Count Dietrich of Westphalia. She was known for her piety and charitable work. She is the patron saint of parents with large families, and her feast day is celebrated on March 14.
Sabina in honor of St. Sabina
St. Sabina was a martyr of the Roman Empire in the second century AD, when the empire still persecuted Catholics. A basilica in Rome is dedicated to and named after her. Her feast day is celebrated on August 29.
Veronica in honor of St. Veronica
St. Veronica is said to be the woman who offered Jesus a cloth so he could wipe his face as he was on his way to being crucified. What people believe to be that cloth still exists and is in the Vatican.
Zita in honor of St. Zita
Zita is one of the most original and modern Catholic saint names for girls inspired by St. Zita, the patron saint of domestic servants. She spent most of her life as a domestic servant in the service of a rich weaver and his family.