Roman Catholic Inspired Names

Elmo

Italian from German

"protector"

Elmo, like fellow Sesame Street characters Kermit and Grover, has a hard time being taken seriously. (It isn't easy being red either.) But Elmo also calls to mind the image of St. Elmo's fire--the…

Erasmus

Greek

"beloved, desired"

Erasmus has long retained the image of the bearded and bespectacled Dutch philosopher, but could be one that the audacious baby namer just might dare to dust off. The fourth century Saint Erasmus was…

Faust

Latin

"fortunate one"

Because the legendary Faust sold his soul to the devil, few parents would choose this for a child, although Fausto is commonly heard in Italy and Spain.

Ferrer

Ferrer is a masculine name of Catalan and Spanish origin, derived from the Latin word 'ferrarius' meaning 'blacksmith' or 'ironworker.' As a surname-turned-first-name, it reflects an occupational…

Fiacre

French from Irish

"crow"

French form of Fiachra

Finnbar

Finnbar is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin, deriving from the elements 'fionn' meaning 'fair, white' and 'barr' meaning 'head, top' or 'chief.' It's a variant of the more common Finbar or…

Hilary

Latin from Greek

"cheerful, happy"

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

Hyacinth

English, Greek

"blue larkspur; precious stone"

Though it may not be as sweet and gentle as, say, Violet, the purple-hued Hyacinth still might hold some appeal for the parent seeking a truly unconventional flower name. In Greek mythology…

Innocent

Latin

"harmless, innocent"

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