Though I am momma to seven kiddos (with #8 set to arrive December 2019) and three lost littles, I wouldn’t really say I’m the best at coming up with names. In fact, my husband and I are often tussling over name choices -sometimes days- before a new baby arrives in our family. We’re not too proud to say we’ve enlisted in the help of siblings to name the new baby, which has resulted in and added a unique element to those relationships.
When our eldest son Jonathan was five years old, he told us he wanted a baby brother and that he wanted to name him Andrew. Lo and behold, we found out the very next day that we were expecting, confirming my suspicion that children have direct line to our Heavenly Father! Added to our surprise was finding out it actually was a boy! So, Andrew it was – but we still needed a middle name. We decided on William and that was that.
One of the tricky things about naming kiddos has often been finding a unique combination of names – first and middle – that aren’t taken by like the other 1000 Catholic families and friends whose kiddos have been named the same names you like! ? One way to add an element of unique to your child’s name is to bring in a family name along with a good saint name.
SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS A DOUBLE BARREL NAME?
HISTORICALLY SPEAKING, a double barrel name was two surnames hyphenated. This was often used in the higher classes, and often a way to keep a family name alive in the event a male was not alive to carry on the family name.
THESE DAYS, double barrel names simply refers to two given first names – not necessarily hyphenated – that an individual goes by. In Catholic circles these names tend to be pretty popular and can vary from using two names as one first name, or even combining the first and middle name to get the double barrel name, which is why we’re going to delve into some popular ones you have heard – and some you may not have! The sky is the limit with name choices and we’ll give you some good ones to consider!
GIRL DOUBLE BARREL NAMES
/ Agatha Anne /
Meaning: good • St. Agatha’s feast day is February 5. She is the patron of Sicily, bellfounders, breast cancer, against fire, Palermo, rape victims, and wet nurses. Nicknames and variations: Agathe, Agathy
Meaning: grace/Mother of Mary • St. Anne’s (and husband St. Joachim) feast day is July 26. She is the patron of grandmothers, pregnant women, washerwomen, and embroiderers. Nicknames and variations: Anita, Anna, Annabel, Annabella, Annette, Hannah, Nan, Nancy, Nanette
/ Anna Maria /
Meaning: derivative of Anne, grace/Mother of Mary • St. Anne’s (and husband St. Joachim) feast day is July 26. She is the patron of grandmothers, pregnant women, washerwomen, and embroiderers. Nicknames and variations: Anne, Anita, Annabel, Annabella, Annette, Hannah, Nan, Nancy, Nanette
Meaning: derivative of Mary, bitterness, rebellion • the oldest Solemnity for Mary, Mother of God is January 1. For a full list of Marian feast days, click HERE. Nicknames and variations: Maria, Mara, Mae, Maime, Marian, Marianne,Maribel, Marietta, Mariette, Marilyn, Maureen, May, Mirell, Miriam, Moira, Molly, Polly
/ Anna Catherine /
Meaning: derivative of Anne, grace/Mother of Mary • St. Anne’s (and husband St. Joachim) feast day is July 26. She is the patron of grandmothers, pregnant women, washerwomen, and embroiderers. Nicknames and variations: Anne, Anita, Annabel, Annabella, Annette, Hannah, Nan, Nancy, Nanette
Meaning: pure • feast day is November 25 (Catherine of Alexandria) or November 28 (Catherine Labouré). Catherine of Alexandria is the patron of unmarried girls, Aalsum, apologists, craftsmen who work with a wheel (potters, spinners), archivists, dying people, educators, girls, jurists, knife sharpeners, lawyers, librarians, libraries, Balliol College, Massey College, maidens, mechanics. Nicknames and variations: Catalina, Caterina, Karen, Kate, Kateri, Katherine, Kathleen, Kathryn, Katrina, Kay, Kit, Kitty, Trina.
/ Anne Marie /
Meaning: grace/Mother of Mary • St. Anne’s (and husband St. Joachim) feast day is July 26.
She is the patron of grandmothers, pregnant women, washerwomen, and embroiderers. Nicknames and variations: Anita, Anna, Annabel, Annabella, Annette, Hannah, Nan, Nancy, Nanette
Meaning: derivative of Mary, bitterness, rebellion • the oldest Solemnity for Mary, Mother of God is January 1.
For a full list of Marian feast days, click HERE. Nicknames and variations: Maria, Mara, Mae, Maime, Marian, Marianne,Maribel, Marietta, Mariette, Marilyn, Maureen, May, Mirell, Miriam, Moira, Molly, Polly
/ Anna-Marie Rose /
Meaning: derivative of Anne, grace/Mother of Mary • St. Anne’s (and husband St. Joachim) feast day is July 26. She is the patron of grandmothers, pregnant women, washerwomen, and embroiderers. Nicknames and variations: Anne, Anita, Annabel, Annabella, Annette, Hannah, Nan, Nancy, Nanette
Meaning: derivative of Mary, bitterness, rebellion • the oldest Solemnity for Mary, Mother of God is January 1. For a full list of Marian feast days, click HERE. Nicknames and variations: Maria, Mara, Mae, Maime, Marian, Marianne,Maribel, Marietta, Mariette, Marilyn, Maureen, May, Mirell, Miriam, Moira, Molly, Polly
Meaning: rose • St. Rose of Lima’s feast day is August 23. She was a mystic and visionary who received invisible stigmata, and yet she often suffered from the feeling that God was distant. Despite how lonely this felt, she persisted in believing that He was indeed with her all the time, and she continually prayed to grow stronger in her ability to trust Him. She is the patron of Latin America and the Philippines. Nicknames and variations: Rosa, Rosalie, Rosalinda, Rosalyn, Rosetta, Roseanne, Rosemarie, Rosemonde.
/ Gianna Marie /
Meaning: God is gracious • St. Gianna’s feast day is April 28. She is the patron of mothers, physicians, and unborn children.
Meaning: derivative of Mary, bitterness, rebellion • the oldest Solemnity for Mary, Mother of God is January 1. For a full list of Marian feast days, click HERE. Nicknames and variations: Maria, Mara, Mae, Maime, Marian, Marianne,Maribel, Marietta, Mariette, Marilyn, Maureen, May, Mirell, Miriam, Moira, Molly, Polly
/ Lucia Anna /
Meaning: derivative of Lucy, light • St. Lucy’s feast day is December 13, patron of blindness. Saint Lucy vowed to marry only Jesus and revealed this secret after her mother arranged a wedding to a nobleman. When he found out, he had her arrested and tried as a Christian. The judge sent her to a house of prostitution to desecrate her virginity, but God kept her purity intact. God also gave her the grace to joyfully endure her tortures until she died. Nicknames and variations: Lucette, Luce, Lucia, Lucie, Lucien, Lucienne, Lucille, Lucina, Lucinda, Luz, (fem. of Luke).
Meaning: grace/Mother of Mary • St. Anne’s (and husband St. Joachim) feast day is July 26. She is the patron of grandmothers, pregnant women, washerwomen, and embroiderers. Nicknames and variations: Anne, Anita, Annabel, Annabella, Annette, Hannah, Nan, Nancy, Nanette
/ Lucia Grace /
Meaning: derivative of Lucy, light • St. Lucy’s feast day is December 13. She is the patron of blindness. Nicknames and variations: Lucette, Luce, Lucia, Lucie, Lucien, Lucienne, Lucille, Lucina, Lucinda, Luz, (fem. of Luke)
Meaning: grace
/ Ruth Anne/
Meaning: female friend • the Old Testament Book of Ruth tells the story of Ruth, a young widow who followed her mother-in-law, Naomi, to Bethlehem, where Ruth met and married Boaz. Ruth gave birth to Obed, who became the grandfather of David, Israel’s greatest king, from whose lineage Jesus was born. Nicknames and variations: Ruthanne, Ruthe, Ruthi, Ruthie, Ruthina, Ruthine.
Meaning: grace/Mother of Mary • St. Anne’s (and husband St. Joachim) feast day is July 26. She is the patron of grandmothers, pregnant women, washerwomen, and embroiderers. Nicknames and variations: Anna, Anita, Annabel, Annabella, Annette, Hannah, Nan, Nancy, Nanette
/ Sarah Elizabeth /
Meaning: princess • Sarah was the wife of Abraham, the father of the Jewish religion. Her original name was Sarai until God renamed her when He made His covenant with them. She had been barren until a very old age, and when she was long past her biological time to have children, God gave her a son, Isaac. Nicknames and variations: Sally, Sara, Sarai, Shari.
Meaning: God has sworn • Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (feast day January 4), patron of in-law problems, against the death of children, widows, death of parents, and opposition of Church authorities; St. Elizabeth of Portugal (feast day is July 4), patron of the Third Order of St. Francis; St. Elizabeth of Hungary (feast day is November 17), patron of bakers, beggars, brides, charities, death of children. Nicknames and variations: Bettina, Eilish, Elisabet, Elisabeth, Elisabethe, Elisabetta, Elizabett, Elizabette, Elisaveta, Elizaveta, Lisabeth, Lizabeth, Lysbeth, Lysbette, Lyzbette.
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AND NOW FOR THE MARY NAMES
Not surprisingly, Mary comes packed with heat (as she should being the Queen of the Universe and all!), so hold onto your hats – let’s get started!
Mary //
Meaning: bitterness, rebellion • the oldest Solemnity for Mary, Mother of God is January 1. For a full list of Marian feast days, click HERE. Nicknames and variations: Maria, Mara, Mae, Maime, Marian, Marianne,Maribel, Marietta, Mariette, Marilyn, Maureen, May, Mirell, Miriam, Moira, Molly, Polly
/ Mary Agnes /
Meaning: pure • feast day is January 21, patron of young girls, chastity, rape survivors, and the Children of Mary. Nicknames and variations: Ines, Inez, Neysa, Nina, Ninete, Rachel.
/ Mary Ann /
Meaning: derivative of Anne, grace/Mother of Mary • St. Anne’s (and husband St. Joachim) feast day is July 26. She is the patron of grandmothers, pregnant women, washerwomen, and embroiderers. Nicknames and variations: Anne, Anna, Anita, Annabel, Annabella, Annette, Hannah, Nan, Nancy, Nanette
/ Mary Catherine /
Meaning: pure • feast day is November 25 (Catherine of Alexandria) or November 28 (Catherine Labouré). Catherine of Alexandria is the patron of unmarried girls, Aalsum, apologists, craftsmen who work with a wheel (potters, spinners), archivists, dying people, educators, girls, jurists, knife sharpeners, lawyers, librarians, libraries, Balliol College, Massey College, maidens, mechanics. Nicknames and variations: Catalina, Caterina, Karen, Kate, Kateri, Katherine, Kathleen, Kathryn, Katrina, Kay, Kit, Kitty, Trina.
/ Mary Cecilia /
Meaning: dim sighted • feast day is November 22, patron of musicians. Saint Cecilia’s parents wed her to a pagan nobleman. Eager to convert her new husband, she told him about the angel that always escorted her. He wanted to see the angel, too, so he asked for his soul to be purified by baptism. The next time Saint Cecilia prayed, her husband saw the angel place a crown on both of their heads. Nicknames and variations: Ceceilia, Ceceley, Ceceli, Cecelia, Cecely, Cecelyn, Cecila, Cecile, Cecilea, Cecilee, Cecilla, Cecille, Cecillia, Cicelie, Cicilia, Cicilie, Cicily, Cici, Cee, CeeCee Ceil, Cele, Celia, Celie, Cili, Cilia, Cilla, Cissy.
/ Mary Clare /
Meaning: illustrious • feast day is August 11, patron of eye disease, goldsmiths, laundry, television. Saint Clare lived a very mystical and spiritually powerful life. In her dying days, when she was unable to attend Mass, God brought the Mass to her by displaying it like a movie on her wall. Thus she is the patron saint of television, among others. Nicknames and variations: Claire, Clara, Clairette, Claretta, Clarice, Clarissa, Clarita.
/ Mary Elizabeth /
Meaning: God has sworn • Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (feast day January 4), patron of in-law problems, against the death of children, widows, death of parents, and opposition of Church authorities; St. Elizabeth of Portugal (feast day is July 4), patron of the Third Order of St. Francis; St. Elizabeth of Hungary (feast day is November 17), patron of bakers, beggars, brides, charities, death of children. Nicknames and variations: Bettina, Eilish, Elisabet, Elisabeth, Elisabethe, Elisabetta, Elizabett, Elizabette, Elisaveta, Elizaveta, Lisabeth, Lizabeth, Lysbeth, Lysbette, Lyzbette.
/ Mary Frances /
Meaning: free, can also be derivative of Francis • St. Frances Xavier Cabrini’s feast day is November 13, patron of immigrants, hospital administrators, Lincoln. When Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini was a child, she pretended she was a missionary to China as she sailed paper boats on a stream. Although God eventually sent her west to America instead of East to the Orient, her childhood games shaped her desire to serve Him. Nicknames and variations: Cesca, Fanny, Francesca, Franchette, Francine, Francoise, Frannie.
/ Mary Josephine /
Meaning: increase, derivative of Joseph • feast day March 19 and May 1, patron of the Universal Church, unborn children, fathers, workers, travelers, immigrants, and a happy death. God chose Joseph to care for Mary and Jesus because his holiness and love for Him was great, his compassion for others was outstanding, and his desire to protect and provide for his family was honorable. Other saints: Joseph of Cupertino, Josephine Bakhita, Joseph of Armithea. Nicknames and variations: Josefa, Josepha, Josette, Josianne, Jo, Josie.
/ Mary Kate /
Meaning: derivative of Catherine meaning pure • feast day is November 25 (Catherine of Alexandria) or November 28 (Catherine Labouré). Catherine of Alexandria is the patron of unmarried girls, Aalsum, apologists, craftsmen who work with a wheel (potters, spinners), archivists, dying people, educators, girls, jurists, knife sharpeners, lawyers, librarians, libraries, Balliol College, Massey College, maidens, mechanics. Nicknames and variations: Catalina, Caterina, Karen, Kate, Kateri, Katherine, Kathleen, Kathryn, Katrina, Kay, Kit, Kitty, Trina.
/ Mary Louise /
Meaning: famous warrior • St. Louise de Marillac’s feast day is March 15, patron of social workers. Saint Louise de Marillac devoted her life to helping Saint Vincent de Paul serve the needs of the poor. She often taught: “Be diligent in serving the poor. Love the poor, honor them, as you would honor Christ Himself.” Nicknames and variations: Aloisa, Aloise, Eloisa, Eloise, Heloisa, Heloise, Louella, Louisa, Louisetta, Louisette, Louisina, Louisiana, Louisiane, Louisine, Louiza, Lovisa, Lowise, Loyise, Luisa, Luise, Lola, Lolita, Lou, Lu, Lula, Lulita, Lulu.
/ Mary Margaret /
Meaning: pearl • St. Margaret’s feast day is July 20, patron of pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. Saint Margaret of Antioch’s father was a pagan priest. Her escape from his false beliefs was depicted in a story of being swallowed by a dragon representing paganism, and then escaping from its belly as if being born anew. Because of this tale, she has become the patron saint of pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. Others: Marguerite Bourgeous, Margaret of Antioch, Bl. Margaret of Costello. Nicknames and variations: Greta, Gretchen, Madge, Maggie, Maisie, Marge, Margery, Margo, Margot, Marina, Margarita, Marguerite, Marjorie, Pearl, Pegeen, Peggy, Rita.
/ Mary Olivia /
Meaning: olive • St. Oliva of Brescia’s feast day is March 5, patron of Trivigliano, Italy. Saint Oliva of Brescia was martyred in the persecutions of Hadrian in 138. Her relics are still in St. Afra’s church in Brescia, Italy. Nicknames and variations: Olive, Oliva, Livvy, Liv.
/ Mary Rose /
Meaning: rose • St. Rose of Lima’s feast day is August 23. She was a mystic and visionary who received invisible stigmata, and yet she often suffered from the feeling that God was distant. Despite how lonely this felt, she persisted in believing that He was indeed with her all the time, and she continually prayed to grow stronger in her ability to trust Him. She is the patron of Latin America and the Philippines. Nicknames and variations: Rosa, Rosalie, Rosalinda, Rosalyn, Rosetta, Roseanne, Rosemarie, Rosemonde.
/ Rose Mary /
Meaning (of Rose): rose • St. Rose of Lima’s feast day is August 23. She was a mystic and visionary who received invisible stigmata, and yet she often suffered from the feeling that God was distant. Despite how lonely this felt, she persisted in believing that He was indeed with her all the time, and she continually prayed to grow stronger in her ability to trust Him. She is the patron of Latin America and the Philippines. Nicknames and variations: Rosa, Rosalie, Rosalinda, Rosalyn, Rosetta, Roseanne, Rosemarie, Rosemonde.
/ Rosemary Anne /
Meaning: rose • St. Rose of Lima’s feast day is August 23. She was a mystic and visionary who received invisible stigmata, and yet she often suffered from the feeling that God was distant. Despite how lonely this felt, she persisted in believing that He was indeed with her all the time, and she continually prayed to grow stronger in her ability to trust Him. She is the patron of Latin America and the Philippines. Nicknames and variations: Rosa, Rosalie, Rosalinda, Rosalyn, Rosetta, Roseanne, Rosemarie, Rosemonde.
Meaning: grace/Mother of Mary • St. Anne’s (and husband St. Joachim) feast day is July 26. She is the patron of grandmothers, pregnant women, washerwomen, and embroiderers. Nicknames and variations: Anna, Ann, Anita, Annabel, Annabella, Annette, Hannah, Nan, Nancy, Nanette
BOY DOUBLE BARREL NAMES
/ Henry Charles /
Meaning: home ruler • St. Henry’s feast day is July 13, patron of the childless, of Dukes, of the handicapped and those rejected by Religious Order. Saint Henry II was one of the best rulers of the Christian Roman Empire. He reformed the Church, assisted the growth of new monasteries, and oversaw the building of many beautiful churches. Because he believed that the Creed was essential to understanding our faith, he convinced the Pope to institute its use every Sunday and major feast day. Nicknames and variations: Hank, Harry, Emeric, Enrico, Heinrich, Henri, Rico.
Meaning: strong • St. Charles Borromeo’s feast day is November 4, patron of bishops, catechists, cardinals, seminarians, and spiritual leaders. Saint Charles Borromeo served as a bishop in a diocese that was plagued by superstitions and other faulty religious practices, but he resolved the problems by issuing wise rulings, instituting them with kindness, and setting an example through his own holy life. He learned from having a severe speech impediment that “we are all weak, but if we want help, the Lord God has given us the means to find it easily.” Nicknames and variations: Carl, Carlo, Carlos, Carroll, Cary, Karl, Karol.
/ James Thomas /
Meaning: supplanter • St. James the Lesser’s feast day is May 3, patron of hat-makers. St. James the Lesser, the author of the first Catholic Epistle, was the son of Alphaeus of Cleophas. His mother Mary was either a sister or a close relative of the Blessed Virgin, and for that reason, according to Jewish custom, he was sometimes called the brother of the Lord. The Apostle held a distinguished position in the early Christian community of Jerusalem. Other saints: St. James the Greater (brother of St. James the Lesser). Nicknames and variations: Jacob, Diego, Jacques, Jaime, Santiago, Iago, Seamas, Shamus
Meaning: twin • St. Thomas’ feast day is July 3, patron of architects. Known as the Doubting Tom, saint Thomas the Apostle doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he touched His wounds. After Pentecost, God called him to become a missionary in India, but he doubted again and said no. He changed his mind only after being taken into slavery by a merchant who happened to be going to India. Once he was cured of his doubt, God freed him and he began the work he had called him to do. He is the patron saint against doubt. Other saints: Thomas Aquinas, Thomas Becket, Thomas More. Nicknames and variations: Tomas, Tom, Tommaso.
/ Jean Claude /
Meaning: God has mercy, French for John • John the Baptist’s feast day is June 24, patron of Jordan, Puerto Rico, Knights Hospitaller of Jerusalem, French Canada, Newfoundland, Cesena, Florence, Genoa, Monza, Perth (Scotland), Porto, San Juan, Turin, Xewkija, and many other places. John the Baptist became one of Jesus’ closest friends. He was the only one who stayed with Him until the end. On the Cross, Jesus placed His Mother into his care. After Jesus rose, he ran ahead of the other Apostles to see the empty tomb and he was the first to recognize Him at the lakeside. Other saints: John Bosco, John Cantius, John of the Cross, John of God, John the Evangelist.Nicknames and variations: Baptiste, Evan, Gian, Giovanni, Hans, Ian, Ivan, Jan, Johann, Johannes, Jon, Juan, Sean, Shane, Shaun.
Meaning: lame • St. Claud’s feast day is June 6. Saint Claud was a holy priest who served as a Benedictine Abbot and later a bishop, though he preferred not to have such status. In the 12th century (400 years later), his body was discovered to be incorrupt. His burial place became a favorite place for pilgrimages, and miraculous cures occurred there. Other variation: Claudius.
/ Jean-Luc /
Meaning: God has mercy, French for John • John the Baptist’s feast day is June 24, patron of Jordan, Puerto Rico, Knights Hospitaller of Jerusalem, French Canada, Newfoundland, Cesena, Florence, Genoa, Monza, Perth (Scotland), Porto, San Juan, Turin, Xewkija, and many other places. John the Baptist became one of Jesus’ closest friends. He was the only one who stayed with Him until the end. On the Cross, Jesus placed His Mother into his care. After Jesus rose, he ran ahead of the other Apostles to see the empty tomb and he was the first to recognize Him at the lakeside. Others: John Bosco, John Cantius, John of the Cross, John of God, John the Evangelist.Nicknames and variations:Baptiste, Evan, Gian, Giovanni, Hans, Ian, Ivan, Jan, Johann, Johannes, Jon, Juan, Sean, Shane, Shaun.
Meaning: light, French for Luke • St. Luke’s feast day is October 18, patron of physicians and surgeons. Saint Luke the Evangelist was a physician who helped Saint Paul set up young faith communities. He is a patron saint of doctors. Other saints: St. Lucian. Nicknames and variations: Lucian, Lucas, Luca, Luciano, Lucio, Lucius.
/ John Charles /
Meaning: God has mercy • John the Baptist’s feast day is June 24, patron of Jordan, Puerto Rico, Knights Hospitaller of Jerusalem, French Canada, Newfoundland, Cesena, Florence, Genoa, Monza, Perth (Scotland), Porto, San Juan, Turin, Xewkija, and many other places. John the Baptist became one of Jesus’ closest friends. Other saints: the Apostle John, John Bosco, John Cantius, John of the Cross, John of God, John the Evangelist. Nicknames and variations: Baptiste, Evan, Gian, Giovanni, Hans, Ian, Ivan, Jan, Johann, Johannes, Jon, Juan, Sean, Shane, Shaun.
Meaning: strong • St. Charles Borromeo’s feast day is November 4, patron of bishops, catechists, cardinals, seminarians, and spiritual leaders. Saint Charles Borromeo served as a bishop in a diocese that was plagued by superstitions and other faulty religious practices, but he resolved the problems by issuing wise rulings, instituting them with kindness, and setting an example through his own holy life. He learned from having a severe speech impediment that “we are all weak, but if we want help, the Lord God has given us the means to find it easily.” Nicknames and variations: Carl, Carlo, Carlos, Carroll, Cary, Karl, Karol.
/ John Marie /
Meaning: God has mercy • John the Baptist’s feast day is June 24, patron of Jordan, Puerto Rico, Knights Hospitaller of Jerusalem, French Canada, Newfoundland, Cesena, Florence, Genoa, Monza, Perth (Scotland), Porto, San Juan, Turin, Xewkija, and many other places. John the Baptist became one of Jesus’ closest friends. Other saints: the Apostle John, John Bosco, John Cantius, John of the Cross, John of God, John the Evangelist. Nicknames and variations: Baptiste, Evan, Gian, Giovanni, Hans, Ian, Ivan, Jan, Johann, Johannes, Jon, Juan, Sean, Shane, Shaun.
Meaning: derivative of Mary, bitterness, rebellion • the oldest Solemnity for Mary, Mother of God is January 1. For a full list of Marian feast days, click HERE. Nicknames and variations: Maria, Mara, Mae, Maime, Marian, Marianne,Maribel, Marietta, Mariette, Marilyn, Maureen, May, Mirell, Miriam, Moira, Molly, Polly
/ John Michael /
Meaning: God has mercy • John the Baptist’s feast day is June 24, patron of Jordan, Puerto Rico, Knights Hospitaller of Jerusalem, French Canada, Newfoundland, Cesena, Florence, Genoa, Monza, Perth (Scotland), Porto, San Juan, Turin, Xewkija, and many other places. John the Baptist became one of Jesus’ closest friends. Other saints: the Apostle John, John Bosco, John Cantius, John of the Cross, John of God, John the Evangelist.Nicknames and variations:Baptiste, Evan, Gian, Giovanni, Hans, Ian, Ivan, Jan, Johann, Johannes, Jon, Juan, Sean, Shane, Shaun.
Meaning: who is like God • St. Michael the Archangel’s feast day is September 29, patron of grocers, soldiers, doctors, mariners, paratroopers, police, and sickness. Saint Michael the Archangel led the army of angels that defeated Satan and the demons when they rebelled against God. Because his name means “Who is like God,” Pope Saint Gregory the Great said, “Whenever some act of wondrous power must be performed, Michael is sent, so that his action and his name may make it clear that no one can do what God does by his superior power.” Nicknames and variations: Michel, Michele, Miguel, Mikhail, Mitchell.
/ John Paul /
Meaning: God has mercy • John the Baptist’s feast day is June 24, patron of Jordan, Puerto Rico, Knights Hospitaller of Jerusalem, French Canada, Newfoundland, Cesena, Florence, Genoa, Monza, Perth (Scotland), Porto, San Juan, Turin, Xewkija, and many other places. John the Baptist became one of Jesus’ closest friends. Other saints: the Apostle John, John Bosco, John Cantius, John of the Cross, John of God, John the Evangelist. Nicknames and variations: Baptiste, Evan, Gian, Giovanni, Hans, Ian, Ivan, Jan, Johann, Johannes, Jon, Juan, Sean, Shane, Shaun.
Meaning: little • St. Paul’s feast day is June 29, patron of missions, theologians, and Gentile Christians. Saint Paul the Apostle was converted from persecuting the Christians by an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascas, after which he poured his passionate enthusiasm into spreading the Gospel. His powerful leadership was marked by boldness and unwavering conviction. Nicknames and variations: Pablo, Paolo, Pawel.
/ John Thomas /
Meaning: God has mercy • John the Baptist’s feast day is June 24, patron of Jordan, Puerto Rico, Knights Hospitaller of Jerusalem, French Canada, Newfoundland, Cesena, Florence, Genoa, Monza, Perth (Scotland), Porto, San Juan, Turin, Xewkija, and many other places. John the Baptist became one of Jesus’ closest friends. Other saints: the Apostle John, John Bosco, John Cantius, John of the Cross, John of God, John the Evangelist. Nicknames and variations: Baptiste, Evan, Gian, Giovanni, Hans, Ian, Ivan, Jan, Johann, Johannes, Jon, Juan, Sean, Shane, Shaun.
Meaning: twin • St. Thomas’ feast day is July 3, patron of architects. Known as the Doubting Tom, saint Thomas the Apostle doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he touched His wounds. After Pentecost, God called him to become a missionary in India, but he doubted again and said no. He changed his mind only after being taken into slavery by a merchant who happened to be going to India. Once he was cured of his doubt, God freed him and he began the work he had called him to do. He is the patron saint against doubt. Other saints: Thomas Aquinas, Thomas Becket, Thomas More. Nicknames and variations: Tomas, Tom, Tommaso.
/ John Patrick /
Meaning: God has mercy • John the Baptist’s feast day is June 24, patron of Jordan, Puerto Rico, Knights Hospitaller of Jerusalem, French Canada, Newfoundland, Cesena, Florence, Genoa, Monza, Perth (Scotland), Porto, San Juan, Turin, Xewkija, and many other places. John the Baptist became one of Jesus’ closest friends. Others: the Apostle John, John Bosco, John Cantius, John of the Cross, John of God, John the Evangelist. Nicknames and variations: Baptiste, Evan, Gian, Giovanni, Hans, Ian, Ivan, Jan, Johann, Johannes, Jon, Jonathan, Juan, Sean, Shane, Shaun.
Meaning: nobly born • St. Patrick’s feast day is March 17, patron of Ireland. Saint Patrick had been born in Scotland to Roman parents who were in charge of the British colonies. When he was about fourteen, he was kidnapped during a raid and taken to pagan Ireland to herd sheep. He learned the Druidic language and practices of the people, which later helped him to evangelize them when he returned as a bishop. Nicknames and variations: Pat, Padhraig, Padraic, Padraig, Padraic, Padric, Patric, Patricio, Patrik, Patrizio, Patrizius, Patryk.
/ Maximilian David /
Meaning: greatest • St. Maximilian Kolbe’s feast day is August 14, patron of drug addicts, prisoners, families, and the pro-life movement. Saint Maximilian Kolbe was imprisoned in Auschwitzwhere he ministered to the captives and celebrated Mass by consecrating bread and wine that had been smuggled in. He was martyred after he voluntarily took the place of a young married prisoner condemned to die. Other saints: Maximus the Confessor, Maximilian of Theveste. Nicknames and variations: Max, Maxim.
Meaning: beloved • St. David of Wales feast day is March 1, patron saint of Wales. Saint David of Wales received a vision from Jesus that sent him to Jerusalem where anti-Christian sentiment was strong. By relying on God, he preached so powerfully that he converted many who had been attacking the Faith. Other saints: David of Scotland, David of Sweden. Nicknames and variations: Dave, Davey
And there you have it, folks! Are there any names you’d like to see us add? Share in the comments!
