Catholic Baby Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

Dymphna, also spelled Dympna, is the name of an Irish virgin martyr. The story goes that she was a Celtic princess who fled to Belgium to escape the abusive attentions of her father, and his mad actions led to her becoming the patron saint of the insane.

Valery was in the Top 1000 from 2005 to 2009, and reemerged in 2018. This spelling is often used among Hispanic families in the US.

Hilaria, the ancient Roman form of Hilary also given to joyous festivals, is still used in Spain and Poland, while the intriguing Italian version is Ilaria. A notable current bearer is fitness expert and wife of Alec, Hilaria Baldwin, who was born Hillary.

Hilaria, the ancient Roman form of Hilary also given to joyous festivals, is still used in Spain and Poland, while the intriguing Italian version is Ilaria. A notable current bearer is fitness expert and wife of Alec, Hilaria Baldwin, who was born Hillary.

Vincenza makes romance of Vincent. Vincenza Gerosa was one of the founders of the Sisters of Charity of Lovere and was later made a saint.

Instead of the usual French suspects -- Danielle, Isabelle, Gabrielle -- why not consider Fabienne, which is less common and just as pretty.

Saint Roderic was a priest in Spain who was persecuted by the Moors. Another form of this name is Ruderic.

See AMIAS.

This name of eighteen Irish saints of the past is relatively popular in Ireland, though little known outside it.

Better to stick with the Neil spelling in the US, where the word "nil" also means "zero." But this is a Top Ten name in Catalonia.

Macarius, the name of several early saints, is virtually unknown in the U.S. though its Spanish forms Macario and the feminine Macaria are sometimes used. With the revival of many ancient s-ending names, Macarius might rise again, and it does carry the user-friendly nickname Mac.

Attractive ancient name borne by several saints but sullied by association with yeast infection.

Colman is best known as the name of the mustard, but is also the name of several Irish saints. The Colman spelling is less widely used than Coleman, which is just outside the Top 1000.

Fabiola was the romantically elaborate name of a saint who organized the first hospice. Neither Fabiola nor Fabia appear on the most recent US extended list of names given to five or more babies, though Fabiana and Fabianna are both used.

Melodic and unusual, and she will outgrow any bib jokes.

Attractive attenuated form of the popular Christopher, well used throughout Europe, appearing as Christophe in France and Christoph in Germany.

Saintly, and a Mother Superior to boot.

This rare sixth-century saint's name has a modern, merry feel.

Zephyrinus is the form of the name of the Greek god of the west wind best known as the name of a Jewish pope and saint.

Gervais is a masculine name of French origin, derived from the Germanic elements 'ger' meaning 'spear' and 'wis' meaning 'wise,' together translating to 'skilled with the spear.' The name was borne by several early Christian saints, including a 2nd-century martyr who became one of the patron saints of Milan. Gervais has been continuously used in France since medieval times, though it remains relatively uncommon. In English-speaking countries, it may be recognized from the comedian Ricky Gervais, though the pronunciation often differs (French: zhair-VAY, English often: ger-VAYS). The name carries an air of sophistication and European elegance, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth and international character.