Catholic Baby Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

Saintly, and a Mother Superior to boot.

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

Although the saintly Gratia was male -- Blessed Gratia of Kotor -- this name feels quite female today.

St Quiteria was a second-century virgin martyr who was killed after refusing to renounce her Christian faith in order to marry.

Zosimus is a quirky Z starting name with a long history. It has been the name of several early saints and a pope, as well as the Byzantine author of a history of the Roman Empire, published in the sixth century CE.

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

This fairly obscure saint's name was chosen by Oscar-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden for one of her twins.

Rarely heard in modern times, it was used by Norman Mailer for the hero of his book The Deer Park.

Auria is a highly unusual choice with a pleasant aura. As cousin names Aurelia and Aurora become more prominent, as we predict they will in coming years, Auria will get some attention too.

Columba is an early saint's name that rhumbas to a modern beat. While the original St. Columba is male, the name sounds more appropriate for a girl in the modern world. Leave variations Colm and Callum for the boys.

Ephrem is a spelling variation of the Biblical Ephraim, most often used for an early saint, Ephrem the Syrian, who was a 4th century theologian. This makes a cool, religiously appropriate choice.

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

St. Arsenius (or Arsenios) the Great was a 5th-century Roman saint remembered for his influence on asceticism.

Unfortunately, everyone will hear Crispina, the feminine form of Crispin, as Christina.

Justa is an ancient saints' name. Saints Justa and Rufina were martyred sisters who are today the patron saints of Seville in Spain.

A weighty Greek name borne by several early saints and patriarchs of Alexandria.

More familiar in its K forms, where it's associated with football legend Knute Rockne, Canute has a tough, macho image.