This is a list of submitted names in which the description contains the keyword saint.
Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed.
AbadiafPortuguese (Brazilian) Derived from Portuguese abadia "abbey", this name is usually used in reference to the title of the Virgin Mary Nossa Senhora da Abadia "Our Lady of the Abbey". The title itself goes back to a Marian apparition near the Abadia do Bouro in Braga, Portugal... [more]
AbarhildafOld Frisian (?) This name is mentioned in the Vita Lebuini antiqua as belonging to a widow in Frisia, who hosted Saint Lebuinus and his companion Marchelmus.
AbbomGermanic, Medieval Dutch, Medieval German, Medieval French, Frisian, Finnish Either from Proto-Germanic *abô meaning "husband, man", or a diminutive of Alberich and other names beginning with Old High German alb "elf", as well as a Frisian diminutive of Old High German names beginning with the element adal "noble" and a second element beginning with b (compare Abe 2)... [more]
AberkiosmAncient Greek, History (Ecclesiastical) Of unknown origin and meaning. This name was borne by a 2nd-century saint of Phrygia in Asia Minor, a bishop and wonderworker of Hieropolis who is the subject (and probable author) of an early Christian inscription.
AbomGeorgian (Rare) The usage of this name started in honour of the 8th-century saint Abo of Tiflis, who was of Arab origin and martyred for having converted from Islam to Christianity.... [more]
AbrafHistory, Literature Possibly a feminine form of Abraham. It coincides with a Latin word meaning "maid". A known bearer was Saint Abra of Poitiers, a Gallo-Roman nun of the 4th century.
AceolusmHistory (Ecclesiastical) Saint Aceolus of Amiens worked as a sub-deacon who was studying for the priesthood when he was arrested and murdered as part of the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian in 303 near Amiens, France.
AdalgottmRomansh, History (Ecclesiastical) Romansh form of Adalgod. This was the name of Saint Adalgott II of Disentis (died 1165), a 12th-century monk and bishop. His feast day is celebrated on 3 October.
AdamantinifGreek, History (Ecclesiastical) Feminine derivative of Adamantios. This was the name of a Thracian saint, also known as Adamantia, who was martyred during the persecutions of the Roman emperor Diocletian in the early 4th century.
AdauctusmLate Roman Derived from Latin adauctus meaning "augmented, increased". This was the name of a Christian martyr and saint from the 4th century AD.
AdelphusmLate Roman, History (Ecclesiastical) Derived from Greek ἀδελφός (adelphós) "brother" (literally "from the same womb", from the copulative prefix a- "together with" and delphys "womb"). Adelphus was a bishop of Metz, France, who is now venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.
AdjutormHistory (Ecclesiastical) Means "helper" in Latin. Adjutor is the patron saint of swimmers, boaters, and drowning victims, as well as of Vernon, France.
AdomnánmOld Irish, History (Ecclesiastical) Old Irish diminutive of Adam. Saint Adomnán was the ninth abbot of Iona Abbey, considered one of the most significant churchmen and intellectuals of the seventh century.
AdonmHistory (Ecclesiastical) French form of Ado. Adon de Vienne (known as Ado of Vienne in English) was archbishop of Vienne in Lotharingia from 850 until his death and is venerated as a saint... [more]
AdosindafGothic, Medieval Spanish, Spanish Visigothic name possibly derived from the Germanic elements auds "wealth" and sinþs "path". This was the name of an 8th-century queen of Asturias, Spain... [more]
AdwenfWelsh, Cornish Welsh name, in which the second element is gwen meaning "white, fair, blessed". It was borne by a Cornish saint, considered to be "the Cornish Saint Dwynwen" as a patron of sweethearts... [more]
AelhaearnmWelsh Derived from Welsh ael meaning "(eye)brow" and haearn "iron". This was the name of a 7th-century saint.
AelphabafLiterature Variant of Elphaba. In the novel 'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' (1995), this was the name of a legendary saint, Elphaba's namesake, who disappeared behind a waterfall for hundreds of years to read a book.
AetheriusmHistory (Ecclesiastical), Medieval French (Latinized, ?) This name was borne by multiple saints: Saint Aetherius of Nicomedia (died 304), who was martyred during the persecutions of the Roman emperor Diocletian; Saint Aetherius the Martyr (4th century), a missionary bishop who evangelized in the Crimea and southern Russia and was also martyred; Saint Aetherius of Auxerre (6th century), a bishop of Auxerre, France; Saint Etherius of Lyons (died 602), a bishop of Lyons, France; and Saint Aetherius of Vienne (7th century), a bishop of Vienne, France.
AfanmWelsh, Medieval Welsh The name of a river in South Wales, usually Anglicized as Avon or Avan, presumably derived from Celtic *abon- "river" (making it a cognate of Afon)... [more]
AfreliafHistory (Ecclesiastical) Afrelia was a late 6th century saint, and princess of Powys. It has been suggested that she may be identical to the little-known Saint Arilda of Gloucester.
AgathonicefLate Greek (Latinized) Latinized form of Agathonike. This name was borne by an early Christian saint from Thyatira, who was either martyred with her brother Papylus and a companion named Carpus, or committed suicide after Carpus and Papylus were tortured and sacrificed by pagans.
AgathonikefLate Greek, History (Ecclesiastical) Feminine form of Agathonikos. This name was borne by an early Christian saint from Thyatira, who was either martyred with her brother Papylus and a companion named Carpus, or committed suicide after Carpus and Papylus were tortured and sacrificed by pagans.
AgrestesmArthurian Romance Derived from Latin agrestis meaning "rural, rustic, wild, brutish", from ager "field, farm". This is the name of an ancient pagan king of Camelot in the Old French Arthurian romance 'Estoire del Saint Graal' ("History of the Holy Grail", 1220-35)... [more]
AhezfBreton Legend Of unknown origin and meaning, albeit a connection to Welsh aches, a word denoting the sound of the water clashing on the shore, has been suggested. In Breton legend, Ahez is always described as the daughter of King Gralon, sometimes described as a sorceress, enchantress, fairy or giantess, and often, though not always, considered identical with Dahud... [more]
AhmyetgalimTatar Compound name composed of Ahmet or Ahmyet, the Tatar version of Ahmad and galii, from the same root as Ali 1... [more]
AignanmFrench (Rare), History (Ecclesiastical) French form of Anianus. Saint Aignan (358–453) was Bishop of Orléans, France, and assisted Roman general Flavius Aetius in the defense of the city against Attila the Hun in 451.
AitalmPolish (Archaic) This is the name of a Christian saint, most likely from a Persian source meaning "light; bright." The name was borne by the Polish mayor of Sanok Aital Witoszyński (1898-1905).
AkepsimasmHistory (Ecclesiastical) The origin and meaning of this name are uncertain; it is a hellenized form of some name, which was perhaps of Middle Persian origin. This was the name of a 4th-century Christian saint and martyr, a bishop of Hnaita in western Persia who was tortured to death in 376.
AlacoquefIrish (Rare) From the French surname Alacoque. Its popularity as a name, especially among Catholics, is likely due to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, V.H.M., a French Roman Catholic nun and mystic, who promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in its modern form.
AlcántarafSpanish (Mexican, Rare) Given in honour of the 16th-century Spanish saint and mystic Peter of Alcántara (1499-1562). The place name Alcántara is itself from Arabic القنطرة (al-Qanṭarah) meaning "the bridge".
AldebrandusmGermanic (Latinized) Latin form of Aldebrand. A famous bearer of the name was Saint Aldebrandus, who was born in the city of Sorrivoli, Italy and died in Fossombrone, Presaro e Ubrino, Italy.
AldhelmmGermanic Means "old helmet", derived from the Germanic elements ald "old" and helm "helmet, protection". However, it should be noted that there are also various cases where this name is a variant form of Adalhelm, due to metathesis.... [more]
Aliriom & fSpanish (Rare) Origin uncertain, though it could be derived from the Roman name Hilarius or the Greek Hilarion, as suggested by Hanks and Hodges in 'A Dictionary of First Names' (they also go on to note a possible connection with Allyre, the name of a Gallo-Roman saint)... [more]
AllendefSpanish (Rare) From the Marian title Virgen de Allende, who's a patron saint of Ezcaray (La Rioja). The name seems to derive from allende "beyond, on the other side."
AllyremFrench (Rare, Archaic), History (Ecclesiastical) Possibly of Germanic origin. This was the name of a 4th-century Gallo-Roman saint praised by Gregory of Tours. Also known as Illidius, he was a bishop of Clermont in Auvergne, France, which he worked to establish as a center of religious teaching and devotion... [more]
AlphonsafHistory (Ecclesiastical) Feminine form of Alphonsus (see Alfonso). Saint Alphonsa (1910-1946) adopted this as a monastic name in honour of Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787).
AlrunafGerman, Medieval German Germanic name, in which the second element was derived from Old High German runa or Old Norse rún meaning "secret lore, rune" (Proto-Germanic *rūnō)... [more]
AltomSpanish, Portuguese, English, Italian, German, Dutch Directly taken from Latin altus meaning "to raise, to make high, to elevate". As a musical term it refers to the contrapuntal part higher than the tenor and its associated vocal range.... [more]
AmarantomSpanish (Rare), Italian (Rare, ?) Spanish and Italian form of Amarantus. In other words, this is the masculine form of Amaranta. The 3rd-century Christian saint Amaranthus, who was martyred at Vieux near Albi in the south of France, is known by this name in Spanish.
AmasianusmLate Roman Extended form of Amasius. This name was borne by an obscure saint from the 1st century AD, who was the very first bishop of the Italian coastal city of Taranto.
AmfilochiosmGreek (Rare) Modern Greek form of Amphilochios. A notable bearer of this name is the Greek saint Amfilochios of Patmos (1889-1970), whose name is usually written as Amphilochios in non-Greek sources.
AmmianusmLate Roman, Late Greek (Latinized), History From the late Roman cognomen Ammianus, which is of uncertain origin and meaning, but it is noteworthy that all of the bearers known to history are of Byzantine Greek descent. As such, the original form of the name must have been Ἀμμιανός (Ammianos), which thus means that Ammianus is a latinization of the original name.... [more]
AnapsychiafLate Roman Derived from the Greek verb ἀναψύχω (anapsycho) meaning "to cool (off), to revive by fresh air, to refresh; to recover oneself". This was the name of a late Roman woman letter writer who corresponded with Saint Jerome of Striden.
AnatolianmEnglish English form of Anatolianus. This name was borne by a saint (who was also called Antholian) from the 3rd century AD.
AnnemundmHistory (Ecclesiastical) From the Germanic name Aunemund, in which the second element is mund "protection". Saint Annemund was a 7th-century archbishop of Lyon; Queen Balthild had him assassinated, according to Bede.
AnthiafHistory (Ecclesiastical), Literature Possibly a variant of Anthea. This name was borne by a 2nd-century Illyrian saint who was martyred with her son Eleutherius during the persecutions of the Roman emperor Hadrian... [more]
AnysiafGreek (Rare), History (Ecclesiastical) Said to mean "fulfillment, completion" in Greek, from άνύω (anuo) "to accomplish or complete". Saint Anysia of Salonika was a Christian virgin and martyr of the 4th century.
AoureganfBreton Breton name, in which the first element is aour meaning "gold" (ultimately from Latin aurum). The second element may be Breton gen "cheek, face" or gwenn "shining, holy"... [more]
ArbogastmGermanic Derived from Gothic arbi "inheritance" combined with Gothic gasts (gast in Old High German) "guest, stranger." Saint Arbogast was a 7th-century bishop of Strasbourg.
ArdanmHistory (Ecclesiastical) Benedictine monk, also known as Ardanus. 13th abbot of the abbey of Saint Philibert at Tournus, diocese of Autun, France in 1028. Restored monastic buildings there, and cared for the local people during the famine of 1030 to 1033.
ArhildfAnglo-Saxon Possibly derived from Old Norse Arnhildr, "eagle battle". Alternatively, could be from the Old English elements ār "honour, glory, grace" (see aizō) and hild "battle"... [more]
ArianellfWelsh Derived from Welsh arian "silver" and Middle Welsh gell "yellow" (which apparently also carried the connotations of "shining", ultimately going back to Proto-Celtic *gelwo- "yellow; white", compare Old Irish gel(o) white; fair; shining").... [more]
ArtemasmAncient Greek, Biblical, Polish (Archaic) Presumably a contracted form of Artemidoros. This name is mentioned briefly in the New Testament, in Saint Paul's letter to Titus. According to George Rippey Stewart in American Given Names (1979): 'It is chiefly remembered from General Artemas Ward, of the Revolution (born 1727)... [more]
AstionmLate Greek, History (Ecclesiastical) Means "small city" in Greek, derived from Greek ἄστυ (astu) or (asty) "city, town" combined with the Greek diminutive suffix -ιων (-ion), this is also the Georgian and Romanian form of this name... [more]
AstiusmHistory (Ecclesiastical), Illyrian There was an early Christian saint by this name, a 2nd-century Illyrian martyr. He was a bishop of Dyrrhachium (now Durrës in Albania).
AthrachtfMedieval Irish Of uncertain origin and meaning, this name is usually Anglicized as Attracta. It was 'the name of an Irish virgin saint, of Ulster origin, who flourished in the 6th century and founded the nunnery of Killaraght, near Lough Gara, Co... [more]
AttractafIrish, Medieval Irish (Latinized), History (Ecclesiastical) Latinized form of the Gaelic name Athracht, which is of uncertain meaning. The Latinization was perhaps influenced by attractus "attracted". This was the name of a 6th-century Irish saint who was known as a healer and miracle worker.
AudaxmLate Roman Roman cognomen which was derived from the Latin adjective audax meaning "audacious, daring, bold, courageous".... [more]
AudifaxmHistory (Ecclesiastical) The best-known (and possibly the first) bearer of this name is saint Audifax, who was of noble descent and born in the Persian Empire. Somewhere between 268 and 270 AD, he went on a pilgrimage to Rome with his parents and brother, whose names were Marius, Martha and Abachum (also known as Habakkuk)... [more]
Audrenm & fBreton Legend, Medieval Breton, Breton (Modern) Medieval Breton form of Aodren which was revived in the 1970s. While this name was strictly masculine in medieval times, in modern times it is used on men and women alike.... [more]
AugefGreek Mythology, Ancient Greek Derived from Greek αὐγή (auge) meaning "light of the sun". In Greek mythology Auge was the daughter of Aleus, king of Tegea, and mother of the hero Telephus by Heracles. According to Hyginus this name also belonged to one of the Horae, namely the goddess who personified the first light of day... [more]
AulairefFrench (Archaic), Provençal Early vernacular form of Eulalia, which survives in the French place name Saint-Aulaire, given in reference to the popular Spanish saint Eulalia of Mérida.
AureusmLate Roman Means "golden, gilded" in Latin, from aurum "gold" (see Aurea). An aureus was also a gold coin of ancient Rome, equivalent to 25 denarii. This was the name of a Christian saint who was martyred in the 5th century with his sister Saint Justina at the cathedral of Mainz in Germany; they were killed by invading Huns while celebrating Mass.
AuspiciusmLate Roman Meaning Unknown. Auspicius of Trier was a 2nd century Christian saint.
AustolmCornish Meaning unknown. It is the name of a 6th century Cornish Saint.
AuxiliusmLate Roman From the Roman cognomen Auxilius, which was derived from the Latin noun auxilium meaning "help, aid, assistance". The noun itself is ultimately derived from the Latin verb auxilior meaning "to give help, to aid, to assist"... [more]
Avel·límCatalan Transferred use of the surname Avel-lí, Catalan form of Avellino, the surname of the 17th-century Italian saint Andrew Avellino.
AventinusmRoman Mythology This name can be traced to the Aventine Hill, allegedly one of the Seven Hills that Ancient Rome was founded upon. Aventinus of Alba Longa was a mythical king said to have been buried there. It is debated as to whether the hill was named for the figure, or vice versa... [more]
BakhitafArabic Means "lucky; fortunate" derived from the Arabic roots ب-خ-ت (b-ḵ-t) ultimately from the Ancient Persian word *bagta- meaning “assigned; allotted; fate”. ... [more]
BaothmIrish Perhaps related to Beathan. It coincides with a Gaelic word meaning "vain, reckless, wanton, foolish". Other forms are Baothan, Baoithin/Beheen and Baolach... [more]
BardomGermanic Perhaps a short form of Bardolph or other Germanic names containing the element bard meaning "small axe" (in some cases "beard"). It was borne by a saint, an 11th-century archbishop of Mainz whom Pope Saint Leo IX advised to "lighten his duties and relax some of his personal austerities and mortifications".
BathildafEnglish (Rare), German, History Variant of Bathild. This was the name of a 7th-century English saint who became queen of the Franks after being sold to them as a slave. She was canonised for fighting against the slave trade, promoting monasticism and founding a convent... [more]
BaudeliusmFrankish Latinized form of a possibly Germanic name. Saint Baudelius was a 3rd-century saint and martyr from Orleans.
BaudolinomItalian From the Germanic element baud, of uncertain meaning. This is the name of the patron saint of Alessandria, who lived in the eighth century, as well as a book by Umberto Eco.
BavomDutch A name of Germanic origin that has been so strongly abbreviated, that one can no longer tell with certainty what the original form and its meaning is. Some think that it may be a short form of a name containing the Germanic element badu "battle" (like Baderic), while others think that it is derived from the Germanic element barn "child" via its Middle English form babe... [more]
BecketmEnglish From a surname which was a variant of the surname Beckett. In some cases it might be given in honour of the English saint Thomas Becket (1118-1170).
BelarminomSpanish, Galician, Portuguese Spanish, Galician and Portuguese form of Bellarmino, the original Italian surname of Saint Roberto Bellarmine (1542-1621), a cardinal who is regarded as a Doctor of the Church... [more]
BelinafGascon, Italian Gascon diminutive of Isabèl. Belina (known as Béline in French, died 1153) was a Roman Catholic virgin martyr who was canonized by Pope Innocent III in 1203... [more]
BeltránmSpanish, Galician Spanish and Galician form of Bertram or Bertrand. It is sometimes given in reference to the 16th-century Spanish saint Louis Bertrand (known as Luis Beltrán in Spanish), a Dominican friar who preached in South America; he is called the "Apostle to the Americas".
BenildafFilipino, Spanish, Polish (Rare) Spanish variant and Polish form of the Germanic name Bernhilde, which came into common usage thanks to the martyr and saint Benilde de Córdoba (known as Saint Benildis in English, died circa 853).... [more]
BenvenutafMedieval Italian, Romansh, History (Ecclesiastical) Feminine form of Benvenuto. Benvenuta Bojani (1254 - 1292) was an Italian Roman Catholic professed member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. She dedicated her life to strict austerities as an act of repentance and devotion to God and was known to have visions of angels and demons... [more]
BeoccamAnglo-Saxon, Literature Possibly derived from Old English beo "bee" and a diminutive suffix, therefore meaning "little bee." It may also be related to the Old English masculine name Becca, from which Beckham is derived... [more]
BeorhtgifufAnglo-Saxon Means "bright gift" from the Old English elements beorht "bright" and giefu "gift". It occurs in Goscelin's 'Life of Saint Edith' belonging to an Anglo-Saxon abbess of the convent at Wilton.
BerchanmIrish, Filipino A well-known saint of the early Irish church was named Berchan the Prophet of Clonsast in King's Co., but often called Brachan by Metathesis. Often used as a surname.
BernomGermanic, German Diminutive for names containing the element bern "bear" making it a cognitive of Björn. Used by the first abbot of cluny venerated as a saint.
BeronicomItalian (Rare) This name is the Italian male equivalent of Veronica, the Latinized form of Berenice. Usage is rare, though there is a Saint Beronico, martyred in Antioch and commemorated on 19th October.
BichierfObscure (?) Meaning unknown. It is possibly used in honor of the French saint, St Joan Elizabeth Bichier des Âges, who is commonly referred as Elizabeth Bichier.
BilfriðmAnglo-Saxon Derived from the Old English elements bil "sword" and friþ "peace". A notable bearer of this name was an obscure Northumbrian saint dubbed "St Billfrith the Anchorite".
BirillusmHistory (Ecclesiastical) Saint Birillus of Antioch was the first evangelizer and the first bishop of Catania in Sicily.
BleizmBreton Derived from Breton bleiz "wolf; gray" and thus nowadays commonly considered the Breton equivalent of French Loup, this name was in former times also used as a phonetic approximation to Blois and given in honor of the Blessed Charles of Blois, Duke of Brittany.... [more]
BleuzennfBreton Of uncertain origin and meaning. Some academics consider Bleuzenn a Breton cognate of either Welsh Blodeuyn or Welsh Blodwen while others consider this name a derivation from Middle Breton bleuzuenn "flower"... [more]
BogátmHungarian (Rare) Old Hungarian name of possibly Slavic origin which is said to mean "rich, wealthy". In Western Hungary, this is a byname of Saint Julian.
BoisilmHistory (Ecclesiastical) Saint Boisil (died 661) was a monk of Melrose Abbey, an offshoot of Lindisfarne, then in the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Northumbria, but now in Scotland, where he must have been one of the first generation of monks.
BonafTheatre, Medieval Italian, Polish, Corsican (Archaic) Possibly derived from Latin bonus, -a, -um meaning "good, kind, pleasant, right, honest, brave, noble; valid, useful, healthy". This was the name of a 12th-century Italian saint... [more]
BonariafSardinian Taken from the title of the Virgin Mary Nostra Signora di Bonaria or Madonna di Bonaria. The name literally means "gracious; kind-hearted; sweet-natured", from Italian bonaria, the feminine form of the adjective bonario or "good air; good wind" in reference to her being the patron saint of sailors and mariners.... [more]
BorbethfGermanic Mythology "Sister goddess" of Embeth and Wilbeth and one of "The Three Bethen" or "Three Virgins", a group of allegedly pre-Christian goddesses who later became "unofficial" saints.... [more]
BoromieumLengadocian Transferred use of the surname Boromieu. Derived from the surname of Catholic saint Charles Borromeo (1538 – 1584), Archbishop of Milan and a leading figure of the Counter-Reformation combat against the Protestant Reformation.
BoscomSpanish, Italian (Archaic) Transferred use of the surname Bosco borne by the catholic saint Giovanni Bosco (also known as Don Bosco).
BotolphmAnglo-Saxon (Latinized), History English form of Botolphus, which was a variant form of Botulphus (see Botulph, Botwulf). Saint Botolph was a 7th-century religious leader in East Anglia, patron of travellers and namesake of the town of Boston (originally Botolphston).
BotwinemAnglo-Saxon From Old English bot "remedy, help" and wine "friend". Saint Botwine was a Northumbrian saint venerated at Ripon and Peterborough... [more]
BrancatiusmLate Roman Corrupted form of Pancratius. Saint Pancratius of Taormina was venerated under this name in early medieval Sicily.
BrannockmHistory (Ecclesiastical) The name of the eponymous saint of the village of Braunton in Devon, England. Saint Brannock (or Brannoc) is said to have originated from South Wales and established a monastery at Braunton in the 6th century... [more]
BrauliomSpanish, Galician Apparently derived from Germanic brahuila meaning "bright, radiant" - with one source saying that it is etymologically related to Old High German brand or brant "sword". However, I am not sure how much stock should be put into that, since it seems like its pronunciation would be akin to brilla (BREEL-lah), which makes it look suspiciously close to the Italian verb brillare "to shine, to sparkle" and ultimately comes from berillus, a latinized form of Greek beryllos... [more]
BreacafMedieval Cornish (Latinized) Latinized form of Breage, from Cornish bregh "brave". The 5th-century Cornish saint Breage is also known as Breaca or Bray. Breage is also probably the source of the medieval Cornish name Braya.... [more]
BreacánmIrish Derived from Gaelic breac "speckled, spotted" combined with a diminutive suffix. This was the name of a 6th-century Irish saint who was famous as a healer.
BreguswiðfAnglo-Saxon Derived from Old English bregu "ruler" (supposedly borrowed from Old Norse bragr "best, most splendid"; compare Bragi) and swiþ "strong"... [more]
BreokmCornish Cornish form of Brioc. This name was borne by a Welsh saint who is commemorated in St. Breock.
BriacmFrench, Breton From a Brythonic name derived from the Celtic element *brigo "high, noble, mighty". As such this name can be viewed as a Breton cognate of Brian. In the case of Saint Briac, who arrived in Brittany with Saint Tugdual circa 548, this was a short form of the old Welsh name Briafael.
BriocmHistory (Ecclesiastical), Guernésiais English and Guernésiais form of Briog via the Latinization Briocus. Brioc (died c. 502) was a 5th-century Welsh holy man who became the first abbot of Saint-Brieuc in Brittany... [more]
BriocánmIrish Meaning unknown, perhaps related to Bhreacain (see Brecan). This was the name of a saint from the 5th century AD, who brought christianity to the village Rosmuck in Ireland.
BriogmBreton, Welsh, History (Ecclesiastical) Derived from Breton and Middle Welsh bri, ultimately from Proto-Celtic *brigo "high, noble" or *brīgos "importance". Briog (died c. 502) was a 5th-century Welsh holy man who became the first abbot of Saint-Brieuc in Brittany... [more]
BrochwelmWelsh From the old Welsh name Brochfael, in which the second element is mael "prince". This was the name of a legendary Welsh king who gave land to Saint Melangell.
BruinsechfHistory (Ecclesiastical) The name of an Irish saint, listed in the 17th-century Martyrology of Donegal under May 29: 'Bruinsech Cael (the slender), Virgin, daughter of Crimthann of Mag Trea'. She has been identified with Buriana, an Irish saint who traveled to Cornwall.
BubonafRoman Mythology In ancient Roman religion, Bubona is thought to have been a goddess of cattle, but she is named only by Saint Augustine. Georg Wissowa thought that a festival of cattle (ludi boum causa) mentioned by Pliny must have been dedicated to Bubona... [more]
BucgefAnglo-Saxon Possibly a diminutive of names containing the Old English element burg "fortress", as in the case of an 8th-century abbess by this name who corresponded with Saint Boniface and whose full name was Heahburg... [more]
BudocmHistory (Ecclesiastical), Breton Legend Derived from Old Celtic boudi "victory". However, folk etymology likes to associate this name with beuziñ meaning "drown", with the intended meaning of "saved from the waters". In Breton legend this is the name of a 6th century saint, son of Azenor.
BueyofSpanish (Rare) From the Marian title Virgen de Bueyo, patron saint of Albelda de Iregua (La Rioja). The name Bueyo comes from a small settlement in the vicinity where oxherding was common (cf. Spanish buey "ox").
BuonfigliomMedieval Italian Means "good child" in Italian, derived from Italian buono meaning "good, fair" combined with Italian figlio meaning "child, son".... [more]
BurgundofarafGermanic, History (Ecclesiastical) Name meaning "bringer of the Burgundians" by using the Greek φόρος, "bearer". This was the name of a Burgundian saint and abbess of the 7th century in what is now France.
BurianafHistory (Ecclesiastical, Latinized) This was the name of an Irish saint who lived during the 6th-century, a hermit in St Buryan, near Penzance, Cornwall. She is identified with the Irish Saint Bruinsech.
CaesariafLate Roman, History (Ecclesiastical) Feminine form of Caesarius. Caesaria of Arles (also called Caesaria the Elder, died c. 530), was a saint and abbess. She was born in a Gallo-Roman family and was trained at John Cassian's foundation in Marseilles.
CaillínmMedieval Irish Meaning uncertain. According to one source, the name means "little cowl" in Irish, in which case it should ultimately be derived from the Irish noun caille meaning "veil".... [more]
CainfWelsh Means "beautiful, fair" in Welsh. This was the name of a 5th-century saint.
CalamandafCatalan (Rare) Meaning uncertain; possibly derived from the Latin calamus, "reed, cane". This was the name of a (possibly legendary) Catalan saint, who is the patroness of Calaf.
CalasanzmGerman (Austrian, Rare, Archaic) Derived from the surname Calasanz. Joseph Calasanz (known in Spanish as José de Calasanz; September 11, 1557 – August 25, 1648) was a Spanish Catholic priest, educator and the founder of the Pious Schools, providing free education to the sons of the poor, and the Religious Order that ran them, commonly known as the Piarists... [more]
CallychrowneyfManx (Archaic) Derived from Manx caillagh, a cognate of Old Irish caillech "veiled one; (and by extension) nun; female servant" (ultimately from Old Irish caille "veil") and Irish Cróine with the intended meaning of "servant of Saint Cróine", an obscure female saint (since the names of saints were considered too holy for everyday use, they were usually prefixed until the 17th century).
CalybridfManx (Archaic) Derived from Manx caillagh, a cognate of Old Irish caillech "veiled one; (and by extension) nun; female servant" (ultimately from Old Irish caille "veil") and the given name Bridey with the intended meaning of "servant of Saint Bridget" (since the names of saints were considered too holy for everyday use, they were usually prefixed until the 17th century).
CalypatricfManx (Archaic) Derived from Manx caillagh, a cognate of Old Irish caillech "veiled one; (and by extension) nun; female servant" (ultimately from Old Irish caille "veil") and the given name Patric with the intended meaning of "servant of Saint Patrick" (since the names of saints were considered too holy for everyday use, they were usually prefixed until the 17th century).
CanisiafObscure Feminine form of Canisius, occasionally adopted as a monastic name. In the case of Canisia Lubrin (1984-), a Saint Lucian-born Canadian poet, it is more likely a variant of Canisha (see Kanisha, Kenisha).
CantianillafLate Roman Feminine form of Cantianillus. This was the name of a saint from the 4th century AD, who was martyred along with her brothers Cantius and Cantianus.
CantianusmLate Roman Extended form of Cantius. This was the name of a saint from the 4th century AD, who was martyred along with his brother Cantius and sister Cantianilla.
CantidiusmLate Roman Possibly derived from Latin cantidus, which in turn may have been derived from Latin cantus "(a) singing, song". This was the name of a saint who was martyred in Antioch (the exact year remains unknown).
CantiusmLate Roman Derived from Latin cantus "(a) singing, song". This was the name of a saint from the 4th century AD, who was martyred along with his brother Cantianus and sister Cantianilla.
CapitonmLate Roman Derived from Latin capitonis, which is the genitive of Latin capito meaning "big-headed" (also see Capito). A bearer of this name was Capiton of Cherson, a fairly obscure saint (and hieromartyr) from the 4th century AD.
CaprasiusmLate Roman Possibly derived from Latin capra meaning "(she-)goat". A bearer of this name was Caprasius of Agen, a French saint from the early 4th century AD.
CastorafSpanish, Medieval Italian Italian and Spanish feminine form of Castor. Known bearers include the Blessed Castora Gabrielli (died 1391), an Italian widow and Franciscan tertiary (i.e. member of the Third Order of Saint Francis), and Castora ('Castorina') Fe Francisco de Diego (1928-2019), a Spanish sculptor.
CastrensismLate Roman Derived from the Latin adjective castrensis meaning "of the camp, in the camp", which is ultimately derived from the Latin noun castra meaning "(military) camp, encampment".... [more]
CastulusmLate Roman Derived from Latin castus "pure, chaste, virtuous". This was the name of a Roman saint from the 3rd century AD.
CátedrafSpanish (Rare) From Latin cathedra meaning "chair", referring to the Cathedra Petri or Chair of Saint Peter, also known as the Throne of Saint Peter. Its feast day is February 22 (note, until 1962, the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter was also celebrated on January 18).
CeindrychfMedieval Welsh Possibly derived from Old Welsh element cain meaning "good, lovely" and drych meaning "mirror, image".... [more]
CelidoniusmJudeo-Christian-Islamic Legend Probably a Latinized form of the Greek Χελιδόνιος (Chelidonios), which was derived from χελιδών (chelidon) "a swallow". In Christian tradition this name is sometimes ascribed to the unnamed "man born blind" whose sight Jesus miraculously heals (in the Gospel of John 9:1-12), and the form Celedonius belonged to an early saint, martyred c.300.
CennyddmWelsh Welsh cognate of Kenneth. 6th-century Saint Cennydd was allegedly the son of Gildas the Monk.
CeolfriðmAnglo-Saxon, History (Ecclesiastical) Derived from the Old English elements ceol "keel (of a ship)" and friþ "peace". This name was borne by an Anglo-Saxon Christian abbot and saint, and also gave rise to the surnames Chilvers and Chorlton, and the place name Chorlton-cum-Hardy in Manchester.
ChaidofLate Greek, Greek Greek name of medieval origin, from Greek χάιδι, χάδι meaning "song" or "pamper". Saint Chaido was one of the Forty Holy Virgin Martyrs who are celebrated on September 1, along with Saint Ammoun the Deacon... [more]
CharitinafAncient Greek (Latinized), History (Ecclesiastical) Latinized form of Charitine. St. Charitina of Amisus (also known as Charitina of Rome) was a virgin martyr from Asia Minor, distinguished by strict chastity and piety, while Charitina of Lithuania (died 1281) is a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
ChariulfmFrankish Frankish form of Hariulf. Also compare the similar-looking names Garulf and Gerulf, which can easily get confused with this name and vice versa.... [more]
ChelidoniafItalian Italian name derived from the Greek word chelidon meaning "swallow". This name was borne by a 12th-century Italian saint.
ChlodoaldmGermanic Variant of Chlodowald. Saint Chlodoald lived in the 6th century AD and was the son of Chlodomer, a Frankish king from the Merovingian dynasty.
ChrodechildefHistory (Ecclesiastical) French form of the Germanic name Hrothildis (see Rothild). This was the original name of Saint Clotilde (for whom the names Rohilde or Rotilde would be more accurate).
ChrysovalantoufGreek (Rare) From the epithet of Irene Chrysovalantou, a 9th-century Greek Orthodox saint who is considered a patron of conception and fertility. It means "of Chrysobalanton", from the name of the ancient monastery in Constantinople where she was abbess (allegedly from the name of a region of the Byzantine empire which derives from Greek χρυσος (chrysos) "golden" and βαλαντιο (balantio) "coin").
CissamAnglo-Saxon, History Meaning unknown. One source theorizes that the name might possibly be derived from Old English cisse meaning "gravelly place" or from Old English cís meaning "fastidious". Even Old Norse kyssa meaning "to kiss" was suggested by this source, but this seems unlikely, given that this name is Anglo-Saxon in origin.... [more]
ClateusmAncient Roman Saint Clateus (died 64 AD) was an early Christian martyr. He was an early bishop of the Roman Catholic Church in Brescia, Italy and was martyred during the persecutions of Christians by Nero.
ClaustrefCatalan Means "cloister" in Catalan, taken from the Catalan title of the Virgin Mary, Mare de Déu del Claustre, meaning "Mother of God of the Cloister," the patron saint of Solsona in the comarca of Solsonès.
ClavermFrench Derived from the surname Claver. Used in honor of the saint Peter Claver.
CleofefItalian (Rare), Galician (Rare) From the Latin Maria Cleophae, literally "Mary of Cleophas" (and popularly interpreted as "Mary, wife of Cleophas"). This is given in reference to the saint known in Italian as Maria Cleofe (alternatively Maria di Cleofa), who is mentioned in John 19:25 as one of the women present at the crucifixion of Jesus.... [more]
CleolindafFolklore Possibly a contracted form of Cleodolinda, which is of uncertain meaning. This is the name of the princess in some medieval Italian versions of the legend of Saint George and the dragon. (Saint George rescues Princess Cleolinda from being sacrificed to a dragon by taming the dragon and then killing it in exchange for the kingdom's conversion to Christianity.) This is also the pen name of Cleolinda Jones (1978-), an American blogger and author.
ClydaifWelsh Mythology The name of a Welsh saint of the 5th century, the reputed foundress of a church named Clydai, in Emlyn.
CointhafHistory (Ecclesiastical) Latinization of Kointa, itself a Hellenized form of Quinta. Saint Cointha suffered martyrdom during the persecutions of Emperor Trajanus Decius. Cointha was martyred by having her feet tied to a horse then being dragged through the streets of Alexandria.
CointusmLate Greek (Latinized) Latinized form of Kointos, which is the hellenized form of the Latin name Quintus. In other words, this name is basically a latinization of a name that is already latinate in origin.... [more]
Colm-cillemIrish From Saint Colm-Cille (Saint Columba in English). Middle name of American-Australian actor and film director Mel Gibson.
ComasiafItalian (Rare), History (Ecclesiastical) Comasia was bore by a II-IV century martyr and saint who would help during drought and dryness. A legend says that her name was unknown even in the past so she was named Santa (Saint) come sia meaning "be that as it may" in Italian and later became Comasia... [more]
ConcordiusmLate Roman This was the name of a Christian saint known as Concordius of Spoleto.
ConmemoracionfSpanish (Philippines, Rare) Derived from Spanish conmemoración meaning "commemoration". This extremely rare name is likely given to remember some Catholic personage or event, such as the liturgical memorial of a mystery of Christ or of some saint or sacred event.
ConomormBreton Legend, History, Medieval Breton (?) From a Brythonic name, possibly *Cunomāros, derived from Common Celtic *kwon- "hound" or *kuno- "high" and *māros "great". This was the name of Conomor the Cursed, a 6th-century king of Domnonée (modern-day northern Brittany) notorious for his cruelty, who was ultimately excommunicated at the behest of Saint Samson of Dol... [more]
ConsortiafHistory (Ecclesiastical) Derived from the Latin adjective consors meaning "having a common lot, of the same fortune" (genitive consortis). This name was borne by a 6th-century saint who is said to be venerated at Cluny, France.
ConvalmHistory (Ecclesiastical) Saint Conval (died c.630) was an Irish-born missionary who, when pondering his vocation, was carried by the stone he stood on across the Irish Sea to Inchinnan in Scotland. He was active in the Kingdom of Strathclyde in the area of East Renfrewshire, where there were “Conval wells” in Barrhead and Thornliebank.
ConvenmHistory, Breton From the Breton name Konwenn meaning "white dog" or "white warrior", derived from kon, singular (or plural? genitive?) of ki "dog, warrior" (compare Tanguy, Cunobelinus) combined with gwenn "white"... [more]
Conversiónm & fSpanish (Rare) Means "conversion" in Spanish, referring to the conversion of Saint Paul to Christianity.... [more]
CoromotofSpanish Taken from the Venezuelan Spanish title of the Virgin Mary Nuestra Señora de Coromoto, meaning "Our Lady of Coromoto," the name taken from the cacique (chief) of a local Indian tribe, known as the Cosmes, who, legend says, twice witnessed the Virgin Mary.... [more]
CoronadafSpanish Means "crowned" in Spanish, taken from the titles of the Virgin Mary Nuestra Señora de la Coronada and Virgen de la Coronada, meaning "Our Lady of the Crowned" and "The Virgin of the Crowned", respectively... [more]
CreirwyfWelsh, Welsh Mythology Means "token of the egg", and in effect "mundane egg", from Welsh creir "a token, jewel, sacred object" and wy "egg". In the Mabinogion, a collection of tales from Welsh myth, she was a daughter of Ceridwen and one of the three most beautiful maids of the Isle of Britain... [more]
CrescentianafLate Roman Feminine form of Crescentianus (see Crescentian). This is the name of a saint whose feast day is celebrated on May 5.
CrevanmIrish Anglicized form of the Irish name Criomhthann, from Old Irish crimthan meaning "fox". A variant, Crimhthain, was the original name of Saint Columba.
CrioumMedieval French Variant form of Cariou, which is a short form of Carioulf, itself a variant form of Charioulf, which is the original French form of Chariulf... [more]
CubymHistory (Ecclesiastical) Cornish form of Cybi. Saint Cuby was a 6th-century Cornish bishop, saint and, briefly, king, who worked largely in North Wales.
CucuphasmPhoenician Phoenician origin with the meaning of "he who jokes" or "he who likes to joke". Saint Cucuphas is a is a martyr of Spain who lived from roughly 269 A.D. to 304 A.D. ... [more]
CunerafDutch Some sources state that this name was derived from Gothic kuni "family, kin, race, kind." However, since the first known bearer of this name (a saint from the 4th century AD) originated from Scotland, we cannot exclude the possibility that it is actually Gaelic or Anglo-Saxon in origin... [more]
CybimWelsh Possibly derived from Celtic *kob(o)- "victory". This was the name of a 6th-century Welsh saint who founded Caergybi (the Welsh name for Holyhead).
CynfranmMedieval Welsh Derived from Welsh cyn "chief" and bran "crow, raven". This was the name of an obscure 5th-century Welsh saint. He was one of the sons of Saint Brychan.
CyreniafHistory Feminine form of Cyrenius. This was the name of a saint from the Roman province of Cilicia in southern Anatolia, who was martyred by burning in 306 at Tarsus, in persecutions of Galerius.