It is common for most Christian households to prefer saint names for their children. However, lately, these divine saint baby names are preferred by most parents. Apart from the traditional John and Mary, many traditional saint names and monikers of great saints from history have resurfaced in recent years. The stories of the brave saints of the past, their compassion, wisdom, and pivotal role in most historical tales made them inspirational figures. If you’d like your child to be inspired by the exemplary models, then this list of divine saint names for girls and boys is for you. Read on and take your pick.
Key Pointers
- It’s a common practice among Christians to assign a saintly name to their children.
- Besides the common choices like John and Mary, a resurgence of interest is seen in unique saint names, marked by their stories of compassion and wisdom.
- From Irish to Greek Saint names, the list boasts diverse options from different cultures.
- Drawing inspiration from historic exemplary figures, interesting saintly names for girls and boys include Adelina, Therese, Barbara, Vincent, Isaac, and Damian.
Cultural Significance Of Saint Names
Saint names, which are often Biblical, have been used in Christian communities for centuries. In the Catholic Church, these names are given during baptism or confirmation to honor a patron saint who is believed to protect and guide the person throughout life. Saint names come from many languages, including Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Italian, Irish, and French.
While some people don’t use their saint name as their legal name, it is often used as a middle name. In the Middle Ages, it was common for people to use their saint name as their first name. In countries where Christians are a minority, many keep their saint name for private use and have a different legal name. In some places, people celebrate name days, honoring the saint they were named after, much like a birthday. Saint names reflect the family’s faith and hopes for their child.
Heavenly Saint Names For Boys And Girls
Saint names are powerful choices for your children, carrying divine qualities associated with saints. They act as blessings for your child, guiding them through life with wisdom and courage. We have compiled some of the most significant saint names for baby boys and girls; read on to see if some of these inspire you.
Catholic Saint Names For Girls
1. Adela
Adela, the Frankish princess, was the abbess and disciple of St. Boniface. The meaning of Adela is ‘noble’.
2. Clotilde
Saint Clotilde, along with her husband King Clovis founded the Merovingian dynasty. This strong name means ‘famous in battle.’
3. Cleopatra
Cleopatra is a christian saint name for girls. St. Cleopatra was the saint of the Coptic Orthodox Church and Orthodox Christianity.
4. Agatha
Agatha was the missionary aide to St. Boniface. Her name was first brought to England during the Norman Conquest by William the Conqueror.
5. Catherine
Catherine of Alexandria is the patron saint of students, craftsmen, queens, philosophers and commoners.
6. Christina
We are referring here to St. Christina of Russia. This beautiful and feminine name means ‘a Christian.’
7. Celine
St. Celine, also known as the mother of St. Remigius, was renowned for giving birth to her son at an advanced stage.
8. Bernadette
This moniker is strongly associated with Saint Bernadette of Lourdes. It means ‘brave as a bear.’
9. Adelina
St. Adelina was an abbess and a noblewoman of Normandy. This moniker is a Spanish, Italian and Portuguese variant of Adeline and means ‘noble.’
10. Alena
Saint Alena was a Christian saint who was martyred in the year 640.
11. Anna
Anna is the name of the sainted mother of Mary. This name has been one of the favorites for centuries.
12. Beatrice
St. Beatrice da Silva Meneses was a catholic saint of Portugal. Beatrice means ‘she who brings happiness.’
13. Audrey
St. Audrey was a 6th-century saint revered highly during the Middle Ages. It’s also the name of a character in “As You Like It”.
14. Ava
St. Ava was a 9th-century princess cursed of blindness by Saint Rainfredis. She later became a Benedictine nun.
15. Priscilla
Priscilla was one of the 70 disciples who worked with the apostle Paul to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
16. Phoebe
St. Phoebe is believed to have delivered Paul’s letter to Roman Christian church. Phoebe means ‘radiant.’
17. Thais
If you want something unusual for your daughter, name her Thais. Thais was a courtesan who later turned saint.
18. Therese
St. Therese is one of the most loved saints of the recent years. You can use Thea for the nickname.
19. Barbara
The Catholic martyred Saint Barbara offers protection for architects. Her name means ‘foreign woman’.
20. Balbina
This name is associated with Saint Balbina, the Christian martyr and the daughter of Saint Quirinus of Neuss.
21. Corona
St. Corona is a 2nd century saint venerated in Bohemia, Austria and Bavaria.
22. Ebba
Saint Ebba is one of the founders of monasteries in Scotland. Her name means ‘fence’.
23. Elisabeth
This moniker will honor Saint Elisabeth of Hungary.
24. Alodia
St. Alodia was a Catholic Saint who was martyred by Huesca. Alodia means ‘riches’.
Catholic Saint Names For Boys
25. Vincent
Saint Vincent of Lerins was a 5th century monk and an early Christian writer. The meaning of Vincent is ‘conqueror’.
26. Benilde
This unusual name may belong to a girl, but is associated a medieval male saint. It means ‘good’.
27. Xavier
St. Francis Xavier was one of the co-founders of the Society of Jesus. The meaning of Xavier is ‘new house’.
28. Crispin
St. Crispin is one of the Christian patron saint of tanners, curriers, cobblers and leather works.
29. Bernadine
Bernadine was an Italian priest, a Catholic saint and Franciscan missionary.
30. Andrew
St. Andrew, one of the apostles of Christ preached in Greece and Asia Manor after the execution of ‘son of God’.
31. Anthony
St. Anthony was the first person to establish the religious life in Christianity.
32. Cyril
St. Cyril was a Byzantine Christian theologian who influenced the cultural development of Slavs.
33. Pelagio
Pelagio is a Christian saint who is believed to have received visions of the Virgin Mary.
34. Isaac
St. Isaac the Confessor, the founder of the Dalmatian Monastery was a Christian monk, saint and confessor.
35. Apollo
Apollo is the name of the Egyptian Christian who lived in the desert as a hermit.
36. Blaise
St. Blaise was the 4th century physician, who later became the bishop of Sebastea.
37. Ivo
If you want an ‘o’ ending name for your son, go with Ivo, the 13th century lawyer turned saint.
38. Abel
We’re referring to Saint Abel, the Bishop of Reims. His name means ‘breath’.
39. Cyprian
There are several saints with this name, but the most prominent is Cyprian of Carthage, the Catholic saint.
40. Anselm
This solemn name is associated with the 12th century saint of Canterbury. It means ‘with divine protection’.
41. Bardo
St. Bardo was the 11th century bishop in Mainz, Germany.
42. Barnabas
Barnabas is the name of one of the earliest Christian disciples. His name means ‘son of consolation’.
43. Basil
The history of this name includes several catholic saints. Basil means ‘regal’.
44. Brice
This saint name has a sophisticated and sleek image. It means ‘speckled’.
45. Cornelius
Cornelius is the name of the 3rd century saint and pope in the New Testament. His name means ‘horn’.
46. Damian
There are several saints of this name, including the one renowned as a healer.
Irish Saint Names For Girls
47. Abigail
St. Abigail was the Irish disciple and abbess of St. Abba.
48. Bridget
Bridget is the name of one of the most famous saints of Ireland, who went on to become the patron of her country.
49. Cera
Saint Cera, also called Cyra and Ciar was an Irish abbess. Her name means ‘black haired’.
50. Attracta
Now that’s one attractive name. St. Attracta was a co-worker with St. Patrick.
51. Kiara
This lovely name belongs to the Irish virgin, and the disciple of St. Fintan.
52. Leila
St. Leila is the 17th century saint of Ireland. This Arabic name means ‘night’.
Irish Saint Names For Boys
53. Aidan
This Irish moniker was borne by the 7th century Saint Aidan of Iona who is credited with the establishment of a monastery in North Umbria.
54. Finnian
St. Finnian was the founder of churches in Ireland. His name means ‘fair’.
55. Brendan
St. Brendan was the Irish monks who traveled across the Atlantic to America around 1000 years before Columbus.
56. Patrick
St. Patrick is credited with evangelizing the Irish people. His name means ‘nobly born’.
57. Enda
Enda, the Anglicization of Eanna is attached to an Irish saint.
58. Kevin
Kevin was the 7th century saint who founded a monastery in Dublin. His name means ‘handsome’.
59. Iarlaith
Iarlaith is one of the early Irish saints who founded two monasteries. You can use its short form Iarla for the nickname.
60. Cathal
This moniker, belonging to an Irish saint is currently one of the top 50 names in Ireland.
61. Columba
Columba is the name of one of the most venerated saints of Ireland. The meaning of Columba is ‘dove’.
62. Eoghan
The name Eoghan has been borne by several Irish saints. It means ‘born of the yew tree’.
63. Killian
Here’s another moniker borne by several Irish saints. Killian means ‘church’.
64. Odhran
Odhran is the name of the 6th century Irish saint of Tipperary.
65. Ronan
The compelling name Ronan is associated with 12 Irish saints. It currently ranks #335.
66. Clement
Clement of Ireland was a respected Irish saint. The name has a positive, slightly antiquated and pleasant feel to it.
67. Declan
Declan is the appealing name of an Irish saint. This name is shaping to be a hit in America.
68. Conall
Conall Stickler or Saint Conall as he is popularly known as, was a 5th century saint.
69. Bean
This unisex name belongs to St. Bean of Ireland.
70. Fursey
Fursey was an evangelical Irish monk who was given the power of visions of the afterlife.
71. Ultan
Ultan was a 17th century saint who succeeded St. Breccan as the bishop.
72. Natalis
St. Natalis was the founder of monasticism of Northern Ireland.
73. Colman
Colman was the royal bard who went on to become a bishop in his native place, Ireland.
74. Tressan
Tressan was an Irish saint who left his native place to spread faith in France.
75. Conan
Conan is the name of the 7th century Irish saint and means ‘little wolf’.
Roman Catholic Saint Names For Girls
76. Basilla
St. Basilla was a Roman martyr and saint who later faced martyrdom under Emperor Galerius.
77. Claudia
St. Claudia was Linus’ mother, who went on to become the second pope of Rome. This classic name with Roman splendor can never go out of vogue.
78. Anastasia
St. Anastasia was the spiritual child of St. Chrysogonus. Since this moniker relates to the resurrection, you can use it for Easter.
79. Charity
St. Charity is best known as the daughter of St. Wisdom, the Roman Widow. This virtue name was one of the top 500 names in the 1880s.
80. Bibiana
St. Bibiana was the Roman virgin saint and martyr. The melodic and unusual name means ‘life.’
81. Agnes
St. Agnes was a revered, 3rd-century saint of Rome.
82. Cecilia
Saint Cecilia is the Roman patron of music.
83. Ariadne
St. Ariadne, the 2nd-century Phrygian martyr popularized this name with the Christians. It means ‘holy woman.’
84. Sabina
Saint Sabina was the martyr and matron from Rome. One of the finest names in our opinion.
85. Tatiana
This moniker, belonging to St Tatiana, a Christian martyr has been famous in Rome since ages.
86. Felicula
Felicula is the name of the Roman virgin martyr.
87. Eulalia
This name belongs to St. Eulalia, the 13-year-old Roman Christian virgin.
Roman Catholic Saint Names For Boys
88. Vincenzo
St’ Vincent of Saragossa was the fearless and outspoken saint during the time of persecution under the Roman rule.
89. Luke
The Roman Catholic Church considers Saint Luke as the patron saint of students, artists, surgeons and physicians.
90. Alexis
St. Alexis, the revered saint of Rome disguised as a beggar to escape his wealthy parents until he died.
91. Hyginus
Hyginus is the name of the Bishop of Rome from the year c. 138 to c. 142.
92. Leo
This uber popular name is associated with a number of Roman saints, including the 5th-century pope who confronted Attila the Hun.
93. Otto
The name of the Holy Roman Emperor, who was also a saint, would give the perfect amount of edginess to your child.
94. Valentine
We’re referring to the 3rd-century Roman saint who commemorated 14 February with the tradition of love.
95. Fabian
This name is associated with St. Fabian of Rome. It means ‘bean.’
96. Rufus
The meaning of this Roman saint is ‘red head’.
97. Theodore
St. Theodore was a monk and bishop with amazing healing abilities. His name means ‘god’s gift.’
98. Henry
St. Henry II was one of the best rulers of the Christian Roman Empire. The name means ‘home ruler.’
99. Lawrence
St. Lawrence was a kind and caring saint of Rome. Shorten it to Laurie for the nickname.
100. Genesius
St. Genesius of Rome is the patron saint of clowns, comedians, actors, musicians and dancers.
101. Florian
Florian is a venerated Roman saint of firefighters.
102. Amantius
St. Amantius of Rome is the third bishop of Como.
103. Amias
John Amias was a Roman Catholic priest martyred in England.
104. Sylvester
This moniker of the ‘See of Rome’ was at its peak in the 1920s, when it entered the top 200 baby name list.
Italian Saint Names For Girls
105. Camilla
Saint Camilla Battista da Varano, the Italian princess, is venerated as a saint in the Catholic church.
106. Clare
St. Clare was one of the first followers of St. Francis of Assisi. This moniker is the original and more prosaic spelling of Claire.
107. Candida
Candida is associated with a number of saints, but the most important is Saint Candida, the Elder of Italy.
108. Diana
St. Diana was an Italian saint belonging to the Dominic. This Latin name means ‘divine.’
109. Adelaide
St. Adelaide was one of the most famous saints of Italy. It means ‘noble.’
110. Angelo
St. Angelo was one of the earliest members of the Carmelite Order. The name means ‘angel.’
111. Antonia
St. Antonia of Florence pronounced virtue, patience, and wisdom. Her name means ‘valuable.’
112. Gemma
Gemma fondly called “Daughter of Passion” was a venerated Italian saint. Her name means ‘precious stone.’
113. Seraphina
St. Seraphina of Italy was known for her acts of penance. The meaning of Seraphina is ‘fiery’.
114. Zita
Zita is the name of the 13th-century Tuscan saint. This moniker, meaning ‘seeker’ would sound very creative.
115. Clelia
Saint Clelia Barbieri was the founder of Sister Minims of Our Lady of Sorrows.
Italian Saint Names For Boys
116. Camilo
St. Camillus de Lellis was the 16th-century saint and the founder of the Camillians, a religious order.
117. Abundius
St. Abundius is the early 5th-century saint of Northern Italy.
118. Benno
It may sound like a nickname, but Benn was borne by the Italian bishop.
119. Conrad
Conrad of Piacenza was the Italian hermit and penitent of the Third Order of St. Francis.
120. Milo
Milo was the archbishop of Benevento, Italy. He also shares his name with Saint Milo of Treves.
121. Augustine
Augustine, meaning ‘the exalted one’ belongs to one of the greatest Italian saints, theologians, and philosophers of all time.
122. Cassian
Cassian was the patron saint of school teachers. His name means ‘hollow.’
123. Benedict
Saint Benedict of Nursia is the patron saint of Italian architects. Benedict means ‘blessed.’
124. Artemas
This moniker has an ancient ring to it. It belongs to a 5th-century Italian saint.
Greek Saint Baby Names For Girls
125. Irene
St. Irene of Athens, also known as Irene Sarantapechaina, was the Byzantine empress.
126. Daira
St. Daira was a 3rd-century saint who was martyred by her husband. This Persian name means ‘protector.’
Greek Saint Baby Names For Boys
127. Achilles
St Achilles of Greece led his people from paganism to Christianity.
128. Alexander
St. Alexander was the Greek monk who founded monastic communities in Constantinople and Syria.
129. Demetrius
St. Demetrius was an Orthodox Christian saint commemorated in the Church of Greece.
130. Aimilios
Aimilios, also know the Man from Thrace, was martyred for destroying pagan images and statues.
131. Publius
St. Publius was a Maltese saint and the bishop of Athens, Greece.
132. Gregory
Gregory V was the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople credited with the restoration work to the Patriarchal Cathedral of St George.
133. Achaicus
Achaicus was a Corinthian Greek saint who carried the Corinthians’ letter to St. Paul. This moniker would fit parents who wish to pay tribute to their Greek ancestors.
134. Gerasimus
St. Gerasimus was the patron saint of Kefalonia Island in Greece.
135. Dionysios
St. Dionysios of Zakynthos was a 16th-century Christian saint and archbishop of Zakynthos.
136. Joachim
St. Joachim was a devout Christian saint of the island of Ithaca, Greece.
137. Cosmas
Cosmas of Aetolia, also known as Father Cosmas was a saint and monk in the Greek Orthodox Church.
138. Athenagoras
Here’s another traditional moniker for you. Athenagoras was an Ante-Nicene Christian apologist living in the second half of the second century.
139. Agapius
St. Agapius was an 18th-century saint and martyr of Galatista.
140. Macarius
St. Macarius of Corinth was the mystic and spiritual writer of Corinth.
141. Nicodemus
St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain was a Greek mystic, ascetic monk, philosopher, and theologian.
142. Nikephoros
Nikephoros was the son and disciple of Macarius of Corinth. He was regarded a saint in his lifetime.
143. Philothei
Philothei was a Greek saint and martyr of the Ottoman-era Greece.
144. Athanasios
Athanasios, the Greek saint was a notable philosopher, theologian, and hymnographer.
145. Raphael
Saint Raphael of Greek was an Eastern Orthodox saint who was later martyred by Turkish soldiers.
146. Triantafyllos
Triantafyllos was the saint and martyr of the Greek Orthodox church.
147. Savvas
Savvas is the name of the Greek Orthodox saint.
148. Paisios
Saint Paisios was a well-known Greek saint and ascetic, respected for his spiritual guidance.
149. Nectarios
Saint Nectarios was a Greek saint recognized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
150. George
Saint George of Drama was a Greek Elder noted for his clairvoyance and spiritual discernment.
151. Kalafatis
Chrysostomos Kalafatis was a Greek Orthodox bishop of Izmir.
152. Porphyrios
St. Porphyrios was a Greek Athonite heir monk known for this spiritual discernment.
153. Cyriacus
Cyriacus, also known as Cyriacus the Hermit was a renowned saint of Greece.
154. Eumenes
St. Eumenes was the saint of Crete during the 7th century.
155. Giles
St. Giles, also known as Giles the Hermit, was a Greek Orthodox Christian hermit saint.
156. David
David the Dendrite was a patron saint of Thessaloniki.
157. Nicholas
Nicholas Kabasilas was a Greek spiritual and theological writer.
158. Eustathius
Eustathius was a Greek saint and Archbishop of Thessalonica. He is noted for his account of the sack of Thessalonica.
159. Joseph
St. Joseph, the 9th-century Greek saint was one of the greatest liturgical of all time.
160. Maximus
Maximus the Greek was a Greek saint, scholar, publicist, and translator.
161. Ephraim
St. Ephraim is considered a miracle-working saint by Greek Orthodox Christians in Greece.
162. Phanourios
Phanourios, the Great Martyr, is recognized as a saint by the Greek Orthodox church.
Other Popular Saint Names
For Boys
163. Anskar
Anskar was the missionary to Scandinavia, who survived the harsh conditions of Viking slave trade.
164. Rocco
Rocco, meaning ‘rest’ was borne by a 14th-century French saint.
165. Silouan
St. Silouan or Silvanus the Athonite was an Eastern Orthodox monk of Russia.
166. Chad
Chad of Mercia was the saint and a prominent 7th-century Anglo-Saxon churchman. We think it would make a cool name for your son.
167. Eric
King Eric of Sweden may not have been officially canonized, but he was widely regarded as a saint.
168. Santos
Santos is a Spanish name, meaning ‘saint.’ This name was given to 235 babies last year.
169. Blane
Blane was a Scottish bishop who is believed to have resurrected a boy who passed away. Blane means ‘yellow.’
170. Breccan
Breccan was the name of a saint of the Isle of Aran. It means ‘freckled.’
171. Julian
St. Julian is the patron saint of travelers. His name means ‘youthful.’
172. Rupert
St. Rupert was the missionary and bishop of Germany. The name means ‘bright fame.’
173. Albert
St. Albert the Great was a bishop who introduced Arabic and Greek science to the medieval Europe. Albert is among the timeless spiritual boy names that continue to be relevant and significant today. The name means ‘bright.’
174. Landry
Landry isn’t just associated with football. It’s also the name of the 17th-century Catholic saint of Paris.
175. Wulfstan
Wulfstan served as a Worcester bishop, abolishing the slave trade. This moniker is derived from the elements wolf and stone.
176. Damasus
Damasus is the patron saint of an archaeologist. His name means ‘to tame.’
177. Bavo
Bavo, the patron saint of the Netherlands was a nobleman who gave away all his riches and became a hermit.
178. Caian
Caian was a Welsh saint who is believed to be the son or grandson of a king.
179. Glastian
Glastian was the bishop who mediated between the Picts and Scots.
180. Petroc
Petrock was the patron saint endowed with the abilities to perform several miracles.
181. Ambrose
Ambrose is the patron saint of educational television. His name means ‘immortal one.’
182. Claude
St. Claude de la Colombière was the Jesuit priest and confessor of St. Margaret Mary Alacoqu.
183. Zachary
Zachary was a priest in Jerusalem. This moniker was one of the top 20 names for over a decade, but is dropping steadily now.
For Girls
184. Colette
Saint Colette of Corbie, the French abbess, was the founder of the Colettine Poor Clares.
185. Aquilina
St. Aquilina was a Lebanese child martyr. This moniker seems modern despite being ancient.
186. Delphina
St. Delphina was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis. Her name means ‘dolphin.’
187. Ada
St. Ada of France was not just a saint, but also the abbess of St. Julien-des-Prés in Le Mans.
188. Emma
This name, related to Saint Emma of England would make a timeless choice for your little girl.
189. Georgia
The 6th-century saint of France has a lovely name to use for your daughter.
190. Isabelle
St. Isabelle of France was King Louis VIII’s daughter. The name sits at the 10th spot currently.
191. Angelina
Angelina, the 15th-century Princess of Albania, was proclaimed a saint by the Serbian Orthodox Church.
192. Aurea
Aurea, the variation of Aurelia belonged to a Saint in Spain.
193. Matilda
Matilda is the patron saint of families. Her name means ‘battle ready.’
194. Apollonia
St. Apollonia was the 3rd-century deaconess martyred under Emperor Decius. The name Apollonia is the female version of Apollo.
195. Endellion
Florence Rose Endellion was a saint who evangelized people of Cornwall in the 500s.
196. Genevieve
Saint Genevieve gained popularity when she exhorted the inhabitants of Paris to pray and fast to ward off the invasion of Attila.
197. Bruno
St. Bruno of Cologne was the patron of the Carthusian Order. This name means ‘brown.’
198. Edith
Saint Edith was a German-Jewish born nun, who was also a victim of the Holocaust.
199. Fidelma
This name belongs to 5th-century Saint Fidelma, the daughter of King Laoghaire.
200. Gertrude
Saint Gertrude was an abbess of the Benedictine monastery. Her name means ‘strength.’
Would you select a saint name for your child? Tell us in the comment section below!
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the significance of choosing a divine saint baby name?
Divine saint baby names have a strong religious and devotional foundation. These tend to denote virtues like knowledge and honor. You may pick one of the divine saint names if you want your baby to inherit those qualities.
2. How do I choose a divine saint baby name?
Before deciding on a name for the baby, parents may research the name, its meaning, how it sounds, its roots, and history, and determine whether it may have any negative societal implications.
3. Can I use a divine saint baby name as a middle name?
Divine saint names can be used as middle names too. Make sure the name complements the first name.
4. What are some unique saint names for modern families?
For parents who wish their children to carry their saint name as their legal name, it is common practice to search for distinctive saint names that will stand out. For girls, Celine, Alodia, or Zita, and boys, Killian, Vincenzo, and Ephraim are some unique choices.
Saint names are a popular choice among parents due to their divine disposition. The saints who inspired the names above were known for their modesty, wisdom, and pious nature. When you name your baby after them, you inspire them to be good humans. Hence, choose the saint who inspired you the most and name your baby after them. The above list of divine baby names has been taken from many languages and cultures. We have also included the meaning of each name to help you make an informed choice.
Infographic: Saint Names For Girls And Boys
If you wish your child connects with spirituality and divine self, give them a name inspired by the same. In the following infographic, we have a list of names for boys and girls inspired by the saints and the divine. So, please give it a thorough read and remember to save it too.
Illustration: Ecstatic And Divine Saint Names For Girls and Boys
Check out this interesting and informative video about 15 saint names for girls, along with their meanings and pronunciation.
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