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Papal Names

  1. Clement

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "mild, merciful"

    • Description:

      Clement, the name of fourteen popes and several saints, has a pleasantly, positive, slightly antiquated feel, like the phrase "clement weather."
  2. Eugene

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "wellborn, noble"

    • Description:

      Eugene is a classic that has rather lost its way. On the one hand, it's a grandpa, even great-grandpa name that hasn't been one of the cool kids recently—or to quote Jim Carrey, who bears this name in the middle spot, "You can never get too cool with a name like Eugene." The hero of Disney's Tangled felt the same way, when he changed his birth name of Eugene to the more romantic Flynn.
  3. Benedict

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "blessed"

    • Description:

      Parents who like Ben and Benjamin but find those forms too popular sometimes consider Benedict as a more distinctive choice. Unlike the Old Testament Benjamin, Benedict is the name of the saint who formed the Benedictine Order and of fifteen popes,including a recent one.
  4. Constantine

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "steadfast"

    • Description:

      This Roman Emperor's name has long been considered too grand for an American boy. But in this era of children named Augustine and Atticus, it just may be prime for an unlikely comeback.
  5. Valentine

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "strength, health"

    • Description:

      Valentine is an attractive Shakespearean name with romantic associations, but those very ties to the saint and the sentimental holiday have sent it into a decline, one which we think may be about to turn around.
  6. Fabian

    • Origin:

      Latin clan name

    • Meaning:

      "bean grower"

    • Description:

      Fabian is the ancient name of a saint and pope that also has Shakespearean cred as Olivia's servant in Twelfth Night and more recently made an appearance in Harry Potter. In the U.S. Fabian became best known via the 1960s teen idol/singer who went solely by his first name.
  7. Lucius

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "light"

    • Description:

      Lucius is an old Roman clan name that has lots of religious and literary resonance, yet is still vital today. It was the name of three popes, appears in several Shakespeare plays, and, like all the names beginning with 'luc' relates to the Latin word for light.It was one of a limited number of forenames used in ancient Rome, and because of its meaning was often given to boys born at dawn.
  8. Gregory

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "vigilant, a watchman"

    • Description:

      The Greek name of sixteen popes and fifteen saints, the gregarious Gregory became big in the United States with the emergence of admirable actor Gregory Peck (born Eldred) in the late 1940s. From 1950 to 1973, it was in the Top 30, with nickname Greg becoming a Cool Dude name.
  9. Julius

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "youthful, downy-bearded"

    • Description:

      Immortal through its association with the ancient Caesar (it was his clan name), Julius may still lag behind Julian, but is definitely starting to make a comeback, and in fact feels more cutting edge, in line with the current trend for Latin -us endings.
  10. Sylvester

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "wood, forest"

    • Description:

      This name of three early popes has been associated in recent years with a cocky cartoon cat ("Thufferin' thuccatash!") and the Italian Stallion hero of the Rocky and Rambo movies (who was born Michael) — and yet we think it just might be ready to move further back into the mainstream.
  11. Lando

    • Origin:

      Portuguese, Spanish, Italian

    • Meaning:

      "land"

    • Description:

      A lively nickname with the cool -o ending, Lando has been racing up the UK charts following Lando Norris's Formula 1 debut in 2019. Appearing in the Top 1000 for the first time in 2020, a more recent year saw it place in the Top 300 when it was given to five times as many babies.
  12. Urban

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "of the city"

    • Description:

      Urban was not an uncommon name through the 1930s (rising as high as Number 435), having been attached to several saints and early popes, but it has completely disappeared from the landscape--both urban and rural. Yet in this era of word name appreciation and trend for 'an'-ending boys' names, we're thinking it might be ready for a return.
  13. Marcellus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "young warrior"

    • Description:

      This ancient Roman family name, first borne by the distinguished Marcus Claudius Marcellus and later by two popes, is a possibilty in the hot new category of names from antiquity.
  14. Sixtus

    • Origin:

      Latin from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "sixth born"

    • Description:

      The name of several popes and saints, Sixtus is certainly unusual but would have trouble making it in the modern world outside the Vatican. Even worse is its brother Sextus. Try making it through seventh grade with that name.
  15. Pius

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "pious"

    • Description:

      Pius is the very definition of a religious name, used appropriately enough for several popes. Only a handful of baby boys receive this name every year.
  16. Hilary

    • Origin:

      Latin from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "cheerful, happy"

    • Description:

      The only version that works for boys anymore is the Latinate Hilario or Ilario. Better to look to Felix for a happy-meaning name.
  17. Paschal

    • Description:

      Paschal is a masculine name derived from the Hebrew word 'pesach' meaning 'Passover.' It entered European languages through Latin 'paschalis,' referring to Easter or the Paschal feast. Historically used primarily among Christian communities, the name directly connects to the celebration of Easter and Christ's resurrection. Paschal gained modest popularity in medieval Europe, particularly in Catholic countries, and has been borne by several popes and saints. While never extremely common, it experienced some usage through the centuries, especially in religious families. The name carries strong spiritual significance while maintaining a dignified, classical sound. Today, Paschal remains uncommon, offering a distinctive religious heritage name that's recognized but rarely encountered.

  18. Innocent

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "harmless, innocent"

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      Damasus is a venerable masculine name with ancient roots, deriving from Greek origins. Most famously associated with two popes, including Saint Damasus I (366-384 AD), who was known for commissioning the Latin translation of the Bible. The name possibly relates to the Greek word 'damazo,' meaning 'to tame' or 'to subdue.' Damasus is extremely rare in contemporary usage but carries significant historical weight and religious significance in Christian tradition. The name has a dignified, scholarly quality with its classical origins and ecclesiastical associations. For those drawn to names with historical depth and religious heritage, Damasus offers a distinctively uncommon option with substantial cultural resonance.

  20. Cletus

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "called forth"

    • Description:

      Sometimes used as a short-form of Catholic Pope name Anacletus, Cletus is an ancient name that has not-yet found the popularity of Theodore, Leo, Atticus and Max. It perhaps suffers from its association to the yokel character in The Simpsons , but we think it's time for a reconsideration, given how well it fits into several current trends. Nickname Clete is cute as a button!