Catholic Baby Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

A two-syllable surname feel puts this name of an important English saint in the running -- though it could sound like a confused cross between Duncan and Dustin.

Innocent, the name of thirteen popes, is rarely heard in a secular setting, where its loaded meaning could open the door to ridicule.

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.

Saintly, and a Mother Superior to boot.

Distinctive and contemporary in appearance, Amyas has in fact been used since Renaissance period. More popularly spelled as Amias today, the name likely derives from the Medieval names, Amis and Amice, meaning "friend".

Saint Roch -- pronounced like rock -- is the patron saint of dogs. Roch is definitely one of the coolest saints' names, but many Americans will say it like roach and not rock. You will have to educate them.

Ormond is an Irish patronymic surname that comes from the name Ruadh, meaning red. It is particularly associated with the Butler family who became Earls of Ormond in Ireland. The name carries an aristocratic, distinguished quality with historical gravitas.

Though often heard in the Hispanic and Italian communities, it hasn't made an impact here, perhaps because of the connection to the character of Faust and his pact with the devil. Variations: FAUSTINA, FAUSTIA, FAUSTIANA

Bardo has a poetic beginning and upbeat ending, with roots in several diverse cultures. It may be most familiar today via George Saunders' novel Lincoln in the Bardo, which refers to the Tibetan Buddhist state of suspension between one life and the next, resembling the Christian idea of Limbo. Bardo is also an ancient saint's name: Saint Bardo was the eleventh century bishop of Mainz, in Germany. Actress Sandra Bullock chose Bardo as her son's middle.

An ancient and highly unusual name; St. Alban -- sometimes also called Albinus or Aubin -- was an early martyr in Roman Britain. Using an alternate spelling, Alben Barkley was the 35th U.S. Vice-President, serving under Harry Truman. And Albin is popular in modern Sweden. But only the form Alban has the alternate meaning "from Alba".

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.

One for the truly adventurous baby namers, or perhaps an unexpected middle name to liven up a more traditional first. But on trend short form Bo does make it feel a little more accessible.

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

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

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.

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

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

Faustus is a masculine name with ancient Roman origins, derived from the Latin word 'faustus' meaning 'lucky' or 'favorable.' It shares roots with the word 'auspicious' and was used during the Classical period to denote good fortune.