Names

Saints' Names

Saints' names are a major part of Christian naming history, especially in Catholic and Orthodox traditions. They can be biblical, Latin, Greek, Germanic, or local names that became important through the life of a remembered Christian.

Saints' names carry Christian history in a way biblical names do not. Where biblical names anchor to figures inside scripture, saints' names anchor to figures who came after, from the earliest Christian martyrs of the Roman persecutions through medieval theologians, monastic founders, and mystics of the modern era. Two thousand years of Christian history sits behind these names, and the individual figure matters as much as the name itself.

The earliest saint names run through the martyrs of the Roman persecutions between roughly the second and fourth centuries AD. Perpetua and Felicity were killed together at Carthage in 203 AD; Perpetua's prison writings survive as one of the earliest Christian texts by a woman. Agnes, Cecilia, and Lucia were young Roman women martyred during the Diocletian persecutions in the early fourth century. All five appear together in the Roman Canon of the Mass, the ancient Eucharistic Prayer used across the Latin liturgical tradition for over 1,700 years.

A second cluster of saint names comes from the Doctors of the Church, a formal Catholic title for theologians whose writings shaped the church's teaching. Ambrose baptized Augustine in Milan in 387 AD, and both are among the four original Latin Doctors. Gregory the Great served as Pope from 590 to 604. Anselm developed the ontological argument for God's existence in the eleventh century. Thirty-three Doctors of the Church have been recognized as of 2026.

A third cluster runs through the monastic founders: Benedict of Nursia wrote the Rule that shaped Western monasticism for fifteen centuries, and Clare of Assisi founded the Poor Clares alongside Francis. Monica of Hippo anchors a fourth register, women's saint tradition beyond the martyrdom register, remembered as Augustine's mother whose seventeen-year intercessory prayer shapes Augustine's Confessions.

Catholic tradition formally canonizes saints; Orthodox tradition glorifies them; Anglican tradition retains many pre-Reformation saints in its calendar; Lutheran tradition observes saint feasts; Reformed and Baptist traditions preserve saint names in family tradition without formal veneration. A saint name is a heritage choice, and the historical figure carries across all these traditions. For more on how saint names work as naming choices and what the individual names mean, see Early Christian saint names.

Here are the saints' names in the catalog.

106 curated entries Editorial notes US-focused naming context
106 entries
Popular first Old Testament New Testament Less common choices
01

Paul

Paul is a Latin name usually understood to mean small or humble.

Paul is one of the central apostolic names of the New Testament and later Christian tradition.

Biblical? Yes Christian? Foundational across traditions

Paul is one of the central New Testament apostles and a foundational Christian name honored across all major traditions.

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02

Augustine

Augustine is a Latin-rooted name meaning great, venerable, or majestic.

Augustine is associated with Augustine of Hippo, one of the most influential theologians in Western Christianity. The name feels historic and weighty.

Biblical? No Christian? Saint or church-history heritage

Augustine is not a biblical name, but it is one of the weightiest Christian heritage names through Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church.

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03

Clare

Clare is a Latin-rooted name meaning clear, bright, or famous.

Clare is associated with Saint Clare of Assisi. Its root meaning is connected with brightness or clarity.

Biblical? No Christian? Saint or church-history heritage

Clare is not a biblical name, but it is an established Christian name through Saint Clare of Assisi and the Poor Clares.

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04

Benedict

Benedict is a Latin name meaning blessed or well spoken.

Benedict is tied to blessing and to Saint Benedict, whose rule shaped Western monastic life. It has a serious but usable sound.

Biblical? No Christian? Saint or church-history heritage

Benedict is not a biblical name, but it is a major Christian heritage name through Saint Benedict of Nursia and monastic tradition.

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05

Cecilia

Cecilia is a Latin name of uncertain etymology, possibly connected to caecus ('blind') but the Caecilius family name predates any Christian association.

Cecilia is a long-standing saints' name in Christian tradition. It has remained familiar through music, art, and church memory.

Biblical? No Christian? Saint or church-history heritage

Cecilia is not a biblical name, but it is a strongly established Christian name through Saint Cecilia of Rome and over 1,700 years of church tradition.

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06

Andrew

Andrew is a Greek name often connected with courage, manliness, or strength.

Andrew is one of Jesus's first disciples and a long-used apostolic name.

Biblical? Yes Christian? Foundational across traditions

Andrew is a biblical name, one of the twelve apostles, with deep and longstanding use across major Christian traditions.

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07

Anthony

Anthony is a saints name associated with early monastic life and Christian endurance.

08

Athanasius

Athanasius is a theological heritage name tied to the defense of Nicene faith.

09

Basil

Basil is a saints name associated with pastoral care, theology, and generosity.

10

Ambrose

Ambrose is a Greek name meaning "immortal" or "belonging to the immortals."

Ambrose is a classic bishop and hymn-writing name from early Western Christianity.

Biblical? No Christian? Saint or church-history heritage

Ambrose is not a biblical name, but it is a major Christian heritage name through Saint Ambrose of Milan, a Latin Doctor of the Church.

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11

Anselm

Anselm is a Germanic name meaning 'protected by God' or 'divine helmet.'

Anselm is a medieval Christian thinker name with a scholarly, devotional feel.

Biblical? No Christian? Saint or church-history heritage

Anselm is not a biblical name, but it is a Christian heritage name through Saint Anselm of Canterbury, Archbishop and Doctor of the Church.

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12

Bernard

Bernard is tied to monastic tradition and has long Christian European use.

13

Bonaventure

Bonaventure is a Franciscan theologian name meaning good fortune or good journey.

14

Brendan

Brendan is associated with Irish Christian tradition and missionary imagination.

15

Cuthbert

Cuthbert is a historic saints name from the Northumbrian Christian tradition.

16

Dominic

Dominic comes from Latin roots connected with the Lord and the Dominican tradition.

17

Francis

Francis is strongly associated with Saint Francis of Assisi and humble Christian witness.

18

Ignatius

Ignatius is tied to early martyrdom and later Jesuit Christian tradition.

19

Jerome

Jerome is associated with Scripture, translation, and the Latin Vulgate.

20

Leo

Leo is a papal and saints name with a strong, concise sound.

21

Gregory

Gregory is a Greek name meaning "watchful" or "vigilant."

Gregory is a major Christian heritage name associated with pastors, popes, and theologians.

Biblical? No Christian? Saint or church-history heritage

Gregory is not a biblical name, but it is a major Christian name through Pope Gregory the Great and a wide cluster of patristic-era saints.

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22

Nicholas

Nicholas is a saints name connected with generosity and long church memory.

23

Patrick

Patrick is associated with mission, Ireland, and enduring Christian witness.

24

Cyril

Cyril is tied to several saints and teachers in Eastern and Western Christian history.

25

Damian

Damian is a saints name often paired with Cosmas in Christian tradition.

26

Sebastian

Sebastian is a martyr name with strong Christian and European heritage.

27

Christopher

Christopher means Christ-bearer and has long been used in Christian families.

28

Vincent

Vincent means conquering and is carried by several saints.

29

Martin

Martin is associated with Saint Martin of Tours and practical Christian charity.

30

Thomas

Thomas is an Aramaic name meaning twin.

Thomas is apostolic, scholarly, and widely used across Christian traditions.

Biblical? Yes Christian? Foundational across traditions

Thomas is a biblical name borne by the apostle, and it is a foundational Christian name across traditions.

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31

Peter

Peter is a Greek name meaning rock or stone.

Peter is an apostolic name connected with rock imagery, restoration, and leadership.

Biblical? Yes Christian? Foundational across traditions

Peter is one of the central New Testament apostles and a foundational Christian name honored across all major traditions.

Open guide
32

Stephen

Stephen is a Greek name meaning crown or wreath.

Stephen is remembered as the first Christian martyr in Acts.

Biblical? Yes Christian? Foundational across traditions

Stephen is a biblical name borne by the first Christian martyr in Acts, and it is a foundational Christian name across traditions.

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33

Timothy

Timothy is a Greek name meaning honoring God.

Timothy is a pastoral New Testament name associated with sincere faith.

Biblical? Yes Christian? Foundational across traditions

Timothy is a biblical name borne by Paul's coworker, and it is a foundational Christian name across traditions.

Open guide
34

Titus

Titus is a Latin name whose exact meaning is uncertain.

Titus is a New Testament coworker name connected with church order.

Biblical? Yes Christian? Foundational across traditions

Titus is a biblical name borne by Paul's coworker, and it carries cross-tradition Christian heritage through the New Testament letter and his saintly memory.

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35

Clement

Clement is a New Testament and early church name connected with mercy.

36

Linus

Linus appears in 2 Timothy and later Christian memory.

37

Irenaeus

Irenaeus is an early theologian name connected with peace and teaching.

38

Polycarp

Polycarp is an early martyr name with strong ancient Christian roots.

39

Justin

Justin is tied to Justin Martyr and the early defense of Christian faith.

40

Lawrence

Lawrence is a martyr and saints name with long Christian use.

41

Maximus

Maximus is a saints and theologian name with a strong Latin sound.

42

Xavier

Xavier is associated with missionary history and Saint Francis Xavier.

43

Felix

Felix means happy or fortunate and has early Christian and biblical-era use.

44

Victor

Victor means conqueror and is carried by several Christian saints.

45

Adrian

Adrian is a saints name with broad Christian European history.

46

Albert

Albert is tied to Christian scholarship, including Albert the Great.

47

Alban

Alban is associated with the first recorded British Christian martyr.

48

Alphonsus

Alphonsus is a Catholic saints name connected with pastoral theology.

49

Aloysius

Aloysius is a saints name with a distinctive Catholic heritage.

50

Bede

Bede is associated with biblical learning and early English Christian history.

51

Blaise

Blaise is a saints name remembered in Christian healing traditions.

52

Boniface

Boniface means good fate or good deed and is tied to mission history.

53

Cassian

Cassian is a monastic writer name with ancient Christian depth.

54

Columba

Columba is associated with Irish mission and means dove.

55

Cosmas

Cosmas is a saints name often paired with Damian.

56

Cyprian

Cyprian is an early bishop and martyr name with theological weight.

57

Denis

Denis is a saints name with French Christian heritage.

58

Ephrem

Ephrem is a Syriac Christian poet and theologian name.

59

Fidelis

Fidelis means faithful and has a direct Christian virtue quality.

60

George

George is a widely used saints name associated with courage.

61

Hugh

Hugh is a medieval saints name with a gentle, traditional sound.

62

Isidore

Isidore is tied to Christian learning and scholarship.

63

Joachim

Joachim is a Christian tradition name associated with Mary's father.

64

Kenelm

Kenelm is an Old English saints name with rare heritage appeal.

65

Maurice

Maurice is a martyr and saints name with long European use.

66

Norbert

Norbert is a reforming saints name from medieval Christian history.

67

Oscar

Oscar has Christian heritage through Saint Oscar, missionary to Scandinavia.

68

Paschal

Paschal is connected with Easter and the paschal mystery.

69

Quentin

Quentin is a martyr name with long Christian use.

70

Raymond

Raymond is a saints name associated with counsel and protection.

71

Rupert

Rupert is a missionary saints name with Germanic Christian heritage.

72

Sylvester

Sylvester is a papal saints name with ancient Christian associations.

73

Tobias

Tobias is a biblical and Christian tradition name meaning God is good.

74

Urban

Urban is a papal and saints name from early Christian history.

75

Wenceslaus

Wenceslaus is a royal saints name remembered in Christian tradition.

76

Zeno

Zeno is an early bishop and saints name with a concise ancient feel.

77

Agnes

Agnes is a Greek name meaning "pure" or "chaste."

Agnes is an early martyr name associated with purity and courage.

Biblical? No Christian? Saint or church-history heritage

Agnes is not a biblical name, but it is a strongly established Christian name through Saint Agnes of Rome and centuries of church veneration.

Open guide
78

Agatha

Agatha is a saints name from Greek roots meaning good.

79

Anastasia

Anastasia means resurrection and has strong Eastern Christian heritage.

80

Angela

Angela is connected with angelic imagery and Christian naming tradition.

81

Bernadette

Bernadette is a saints name associated with Lourdes.

82

Brigid

Brigid is a major Irish saints name with deep Christian heritage.

83

Catherine

Catherine is one of the most enduring saints names in Christian history.

84

Christina

Christina directly names belonging to Christ.

85

Clara

Clara is related to Clare and means clear or bright.

86

Colette

Colette is a saints name with French Christian heritage.

87

Edith

Edith has saints-name heritage and an old English Christian feel.

88

Genevieve

Genevieve is a saints name with French Christian history.

89

Gertrude

Gertrude is a medieval saints name with a sturdy heritage sound.

90

Helena

Helena is a saints and royal Christian name associated with early church memory.

91

Irene

Irene means peace and is a strong Christian heritage name.

92

Joan

Joan is tied to Christian history through Joan of Arc.

93

Juliana

Juliana is a saints name with long Christian use.

94

Kateri

Kateri is associated with Saint Kateri Tekakwitha.

95

Lucia

Lucia is a Latin name meaning light.

Lucia means light and is one of the clearest Christian light names.

Biblical? No Christian? Saint or church-history heritage

Lucia is not a biblical name, but it is a strongly established Christian name through the martyr Saint Lucia of Syracuse and her widely kept feast.

Open guide
96

Lucy

Lucy is the English form of Lucia and has strong saints-name heritage.

97

Margaret

Margaret is a major saints name meaning pearl.

98

Monica

Monica is a name of uncertain origin, possibly Berber, sometimes connected to the Latin moneo, "to advise."

Monica is associated with the mother of Augustine and persistent prayer.

Biblical? No Christian? Saint or church-history heritage

Monica is not a biblical name, but it is a strongly established Christian name through Saint Monica of Hippo and centuries of saint-tradition use.

Open guide
99

Philomena

Philomena is a saints name with a meaning connected with love.

100

Scholastica

Scholastica is a monastic saints name and sister of Benedict in tradition.

101

Teresa

Teresa is a major saints name associated with prayer and reform.

102

Therese

Therese is associated with Therese of Lisieux and simple devotion.

103

Ursula

Ursula is a saints name with medieval Christian heritage.

104

Veronica

Veronica is a Christian tradition name associated with compassion.

105

Winifred

Winifred is a saints name with Welsh Christian heritage.

106

Zita

Zita is a saints name associated with humble service.

Read next

After browsing this collection, compare related hubs such as all Christian names, Old Testament names, New Testament names, and biblical figure guides. These internal links help keep meaning, story, and naming tradition connected.