Classic Baby Names
Catholic Baby Names (with Meanings and Popularity)
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Theophanes
Greek
"manifestation of god"
An ancient saint's name, modernized as Theofanis in Greek.
Theophilus
Greek
"loved by God; friend of God"
This is a multi-syllabic New Testament relic that could be yet another fresh way to get to Theo. In the beginning of Luke's gospel, he dedicates his words to Theophilus. Theophilus North is the title…
Therese
German and Scandinavian variation of Theresa
"to reap, gather, harvest"
A form of Theresa with a touch of European flair along with its saintly connotations, Therese is particularly familiar in Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, and the UK. While it has declined in use in…
Thomasina
English, feminine variation of Thomas, Aramaic
"twin"
Though rarely used now that many parents would rather appropriate men's names than sweeten them with feminine endings, Thomasina does have some vintage appeal. Thomasina Coverly plays a large part in…
Ulrich
German
"rich and noble heritage"
Ulrich has ancient roots — it was derived from the Old High German name Uodalrich (also spelled Odalric). Ulrich was a common given name in medieval Germany, when it was associated with St. Ulrich of…
Ultan
Irish
"man from Ulster"
This name of eighteen Irish saints of the past is relatively popular in Ireland, though little known outside it.
Urban
Latin
"of the city"
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…
Ursula
Latin
"little female bear"
A saint's name with a noteworthy literary background, including uses by Shakespeare in Two Gentlemen of Verona and Much Ado About Nothing , by Ben Johnson, Walter Scott, Longfellow, D. H. Lawrence…
Valentine
Latin
"strength, health"
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…
Verena
Latin
"integrity"
Verena is pleasant but old-fashioned. Whether that's the outdated kind of old-fashioned or the so-out-it's-in-again kind is your call. St. Verena was a third century nurse; Verena Tarrant is a…
Vincenza
Italian feminine form of Vincent
"conquering"
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.
Virgilia
Feminine variation of Virgil, Latin
"staff bearer"
This Shakespearean name is even more out of step than its male counterpart, but it may possibly be so far out it could make its way back in.
Virgil
Latin
"staff bearer"
The name of the greatest Roman poet and an early Irish saint who believed the earth was round, Virgil is heard most notably today as the name of designer Virgil Abloh of Off-White. The first century…
Vladimir
Slavic
"great ruler, peaceful ruler, ruler of the world"
Vladimir is a cultured and deep-rooted Slavic name associated in this country with cultural figures including piano virtuoso Vladimir Horowitz and the author of Lolita , Vladimir Nabokov. The name…
Wenceslas
Czech
"more glory"
Saint Wenceslas (known as Vaclav in modern Czech) was a 10th-century duke of Bohemia murdered by his brother. He is the patron saint of the Czech Republic. The name has also belonged to several…
Wilfrid
Spelling variation of Wilfred, English
"desires peace"
Wilfrid is a distinguished masculine name of Anglo-Saxon origin, combining the elements "will" (determination or desire) and "frid" (peace), creating the meaningful combination "desires peace" or…
Wolfgang
German
"traveling wolf"
A name with plenty of grandeur, but a playful nickname, Wolfgang blends sophistication, wildness, and gothic imagery. While it may feel surprising in this century, it does have an allure for those…
Yves
French
"yew wood"
On paper, with its stylish ties to fashion legend Yves Saint-Laurent (born Henri), Yves looks great, but the pronunciation--EVE-- could lead to gender confusion. German variation Ivo might be cooler…
Zeno
Anglicized form of Greek Zenon, related to Zeus, king of the gods
Zeno, the name of two ancient philosophers, has a muscular dynamism that's lightened by its cheerful final vowel, resulting in a kind of offbeat sci-fi feel. Zeno of Citium was the founder of the…
Zenobia
Greek
"force of Zeus"
With historical roots as a beautiful and intelligent ancient queen and literary ties to Hawthorne and Edith Wharton novels, this rarity could appeal to adventurous parents seeking the romantically…