A saint’s name is the name of a saint given to individuals at their baptism within the Catholic Church. The custom of giving the name of a saint goes back to the earliest days of the Church, and is required by canon law. It is believed that the saint whose name is chosen will serve as a special patron to protect, guide, and be the heavenly intercessor for the individual who bears his or her name.

Origins

The term Christian name (first name) originates with the pagans of Europe who discarded their pagan names for Biblical ones when they converted to Christianity and participated in baptism.

History

Today, our names are often thought of as our most personal possession. It tells the world who we are. Psychologists have even concluded that a name can predispose other people to like or dislike us.

Throughout history, some tribes have kept their names secret, in order that an enemy could not have power over them.

The history of saint’s names is just as filled with religious beliefs. In 325 A.D., the Catholic Church outlawed the use of pagan names like Marcus and Diana, which referred to pagan gods. Much later, in 1545, the use of a saint’s name was made mandatory for Catholic baptism.

Modern first names have evolved further, due largely to two things: the Protestants, and Slavery. In the 1600’s, Protestants rejected anything Catholic, turning from saint names in the New Testament to Old Testament names like Elijah, Joshua, Patience, and even He-Soundeth-the-Trumpets-for-Jehovah or Praise-God.

See also

• Calendar of saints
• Namesdays in Sweden
• Namesdays in Finland