Names That Sound Divine
Every parent believes that their child is a little angel, but some radiate a certain light. There are quite literally thousands of saints to take inspiration from when naming your bundle of joy. These names not only sound timeless, but they come with built in role models for your child as they age.
1. Agnes
The patron saint of girls and purity, Agnes of Rome was martyred for her faith at the age of 12. It's only fitting, then, that her name means "pure" in Greek. St. Agnes was strong and devoted in her beliefs despite her young age.
2 Bernadette
Bernadette Soubirous was 14 when she first saw an apparition of a beautiful woman dressed in blue and white, surrounded by stars and roses. Understanding this to be the Virgin Mary, Bernadette dug a spring where fresh water bubbled from the ground to heal the sick. Her name means "brave bear" in French.
3. Catherine
There are no fewer than 13 saints named Catherine or Katherine, the most famous and earliest of whom was Catherine of Alexandria, whose patronage includes girls and spinsters. Another excellent source of inspiration is Catherine of Siena, a 14th Century mystic and one of the few women to be named Doctor of the Church. The name Catherine means "pure".
4. Cecilia
The patron saint of music, Cecilia is a popular choice for confirmation names, but works just as well as a christening name. Cecilia refused marriage to a pagan and was martyred for it, her body still incorruptible over a millennium afterwards. Her name has no specific meaning attached to it.
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5. Clare
With the patron saint of good weather on your side, raising a child will be far from stormy. Clare of Assisi was raised in a wealthy family, but gave up her beauty and worldly treasures to follow Francis of Assisi. Her name, unsurprisingly, means "clear, bright".
6. Genevieve
The patron saint of Paris, Saint Genevieve saved the City of Light from certain destruction. In 451, Paris was under threat from Attila the Hun; not only did Genevieve convince the people of Paris to stand their ground, she convinced Attila to change his course. Genevieve is derived from a Germanic word meaning "woman of the tribe".
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7. Helena
Helena of Constantinople started her life as a princess, became Empress of Rome, and died a saint. Helena was said to have found the remnants of the True Cross. Originally the name of a solar deity, this "shining" name will keep you warm.
7. Joan
One of the most well-known saints in both religious and secular life, Joan or Arc helped save her country from being overrun by the English. Joan's fearless spirit paved the way for French triumph in the Hundred Years' War. Her name means "the Lord is gracious."
8. Lucy
Like many virgin martyrs, Saint Lucy was born into a wealthy family, pledged herself to God, and hoped to distribute her dowry to the poor. Seeking help for her sick mother, Lucy appealed to Saint Agatha, who told her that her mother would heal, but Lucy would become a martyr. Lucy is derived from the Latin word for light and means "born at daylight".
9. Rose
The first American-born saint and the patroness of Peru, Rose of Lima was named so for her beauty. Afraid that this beauty would lead her down a wicked path, Rose cut her hair and roughened her hands with hard work. According to legend, she drove away an invading army through the power of prayer.
10. Teresa
The first woman to be named Doctor of the Church, Teresa of Ávila was a powerful force during the Counter-Reformation. Teresa founded the Discalced Carmelite order and wrote candidly about her experiences with mysticism. Her name is derived from the Greek words meaning "to harvest" or "summer".
11. Aidan
One of the most trendy names for boys happens to also be the name of a 7th century Irish saint. Saint Aidan founded more than 30 churches and monasteries across Ireland. In Gaelic, Aidan means "born of fire".
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12. Anthony
St. Anthony of Padua was one of the most quickly canonized saints in history, ascending to sainthood less than a year after his passing. Probably best known as the saint you ask for guidance when you lose something, Anthony is also the saint of miracles and pregnancy, an apt choice for expectant parents. His name derives from a Roman family name.
13. Benedict
Like many saints, Benedict of Nursia happily gave up the privilege he was born into. Benedict was disgusted by the wickedness he saw and fled to a cave; eventually, enough disciples joined him that he started the Benedictine Order. This name derives from two Latin words which mean "well-spoken".
15. Francis
St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most venerated figures across Christianity. He is known for founding the Franciscan order, his vow of poverty, and his early advocacy for animal rights. The origins of this name are unclear, but are believed to derive from the word "free".
15. Jude
St. Jude (or Thaddeus) was one of the Twelve Apostles and holds specific importance to Armenian Christians. St. Jude's patronage of lost causes would make his name an excellent choice for couples expecting a rainbow baby. This name can be used as a unisex name meaning "praise"
16. Leo
St Leo, also known as Leo the Great, was the first pope to bear this name and the second saint on this list who convinced Attila the Hun not to invade. Leo is revered for his cool-headedness as well as his intellectualism, making several contributions to church theology. Leo is derived from the Greek word for "lion"; a fierce and brave name for your baby.
17. Patrick
The saint who chased the snakes out of Ireland, St. Patrick is one of the patron saints of the Emerald Isle (and also Nigeria). This name would be a great choice for families with Irish heritage, or those expecting a child in mid-March. His name is derived from a Roman name meaning "father".
18. Peter
When you hear this name, you probably think of Simon Peter the apostle, but there is another St Peter whose legacy deserves to be honored. St. Peter Claver was an early abolitionist at a time when the Triangle Trade was just starting; his ministry and devotion to the enslaved is an example of virtue in practice. This name, of course, means "rock".
19. Stephen
The first Christian martyr, St. Stephen was also one of the first permanent deacons. Stephen's teachings got him accused of blasphemy, but he refused to recant his views even when taken before the authorities. In Greek, this name means "wealth, crown".
20. Thomas
There are a ton of Saint Thomases out there, all of whom take their name from Thomas the Apostle. Best known for his doubts, Thomas exemplifies the importance of reasonable thinking rather than blindly following movements. This name means "twin", making it a sneaky choice for parents expecting multiple births.
