100 Unique Catholic Baby Names for Boys & Girls

Deciding on Catholic names that are both beautiful and special for your baby can be a challenge. Many devoted catholic families are beginning to search for less common, traditional names that honor an inspiring saint or biblical figure. One of the best parts of naming your baby after their own special holy figure is celebrating them on saint feast days! 

To make this a little easier, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite names of saints and other holy figures that I scoured from catholiconline.com and additional research of my own favorite saints. 

Keep reading for 100 Unique Catholic Baby Names for Boys & Girls, and find a great name for your little boy or baby girl!

Girls:

1. Adela: St. Adela was an English countess who donated much of her wealth to abbeys and churches. The name is of German origin and means “noble”.
2. Agatha: Agatha of Sicily dedicated her life to God at a young age. After being arrested for identifying as Christian, she was tortured, sent to a brothel for mistreatment, then later put to death. St. Agatha is the patron saint of breast cancer.
3. Aurelia: This Latin name means “the golden one”. Saint Aurelia was an 11th-century Catholic saint and princess who escaped marriage to live as a recluse in a Benedictine abbey.  
4. Alena: Born into a pagan family in Belgium, Saint Alena was an early Christian martyr of the Church. 
5. Avila: One of the lesser-used possible names for your baby, Avila stems from St. Teresa of Ávila, a 16th-century Spanish mystic and reformer.
6. Bernadette: St. Bernadette Soubirous is a popular saint who saw visions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes. The name means “brave”. 
7. Cecilia: Saint Cecilia was a Christian martyr of the Early Church known for her love of the arts and music. 
8. Cera: Saint Cera was an Irish abbess in the 7th century. Not much is known about this saint, but it is a lovely girl’s name. Other forms of this name include Ciara and Ceara. 
9. Celestine/Celestina: Derived from the Latin word “caelestis,” meaning “heavenly,” Celestine is a pretty saints’ name inspired by St. Celestine V, a 13th-century pope.
10. Clara/Clare: This Latin name means “bright” or “clear.” St. Clare of Assisi was a 13th-century Italian nun known for her foundress of the Poor Clares order and her friendship with St. Francis of Assisi. 
11. Colette: St. Colette was a French mystic and visionary in the 15th century. Her name signifies “victorious,” and she is the patron saint of women trying to conceive, pregnant mothers, and sick children.
12. Cornelia: Cornelia is a female version of Saint Cornelius, a former pope and martyr. 
13. Delia: Originating from the name Cordula/Cordelia, Saint Cordelia was one of the companions of Saint Ursula, who the Huns martyred in Cologne.
14. Dymphna: St. Dymphna is an Irish saint from the 7th century.  She was killed by her own pagan father upon refusal to marry him. This name is unique and a seldom-seen middle name for girl names. 
15. Esther: Esther is a biblical name of Hebrew origin meaning “star”. Most popularly known for its association with Queen Esther, a biblical figure who risked her life and saved the Jewish people. 
16. Fara: Burgundofara, also Saint Fara, is a name of Persian descent signifying “radiant” or “shining.” She was a French abbess who founded the Benedictine Abbey of Faremoutiers.
17. Faustina: The “secretary” of the Divine Mercy, St. Faustina Kowalska is a well-known Polish nun and mystic who received many apparitions of Jesus. 
18. Felicity: Often associated with St. Perpetua, St. Felicity was a mother who gave her life for her Christian faith in 203. Having been martyred not long after giving birth to her child, she is the patron saint of mothers and expectant mothers, as well as ranchers and butchers.
19. Flora: There are multiple saint’s named Flora. One of these is the saints Flora & Mary, who were beheaded in Spain for their refusal to deny their Christian faith. Flora and Mary would be beautiful sibling name-sets or first and middle names. 
20. Frances: Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini was an Italian religious sister, recognized for her unwavering support towards Italian immigrants in the U.S. She is the patron saint of immigration. 
21. Gabrielle: This name is French-derived and has a good meaning: “God is my strength,” St. Gabriel is one of the seven archangels in the Catholic Church. 
22. Gemma: A unique baby’s name, Gemma means “gem” and is inspired by St. Gemma Galgani, who is known for her visions of Jesus and her devotion to the Passion.
23. Genevieve: St. Genevieve is renowned as the patroness of Paris. She devoted herself to prayer charity and famously rallied the people of Paris during the threat of Attila the Hun, which helped save the city from destruction. 
24. Gianna: St. Gianna Berreta Molla was an Italian pediatrician and mother who is known for refusing an abortion and hysterectomy when pregnant with her fourth child, despite the possible fatal consequences. 
25. Helena: Mother of Constantine the Great, St. Helena is credited with discovering the True Cross of Jesus Christ. 
26. Ingrid: A Scandinavian name meaning “green,” St. Ingrid of Sweden, a 14th-century Swedish priors who established the first Dominican cloister in Sweden. 
27. Jane: St. Jane de Chantal founded the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary in France. She is the patron of mothers, widows, and wives. 
28. Jessie: Jesse is a prominent figure in the Bible who was the father of King David. 
29. Josefa: A Spanish form of Joseph, Josefa is named after St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. He is the patron saint of workers. 
30. Josemaria: A double first name that has both St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary into one, Josemaria is the perfect name for your young lady. 
31. Juliette: St. Juliette, also known as Sister St. Francis Xavier, was a French Carmelite nun and Christian martyr. 
32. Kiara: An old Irish name associated with St. Kiara, this name means “Light, clear, first ray of sunshine.”
33. Magdalena: St. Mary Magdalene was a fervent follower of Jesus in the New Testament. 
34. Melania: A 5th-century Roman aristocrat, St. Melania dedicated her life to charity and religious works. 
35. Odile/Odilia: St. Odilia is the patroness of good eyesight. Born initially blind, she was miraculously healed at her baptism, after which she dedicated her life to God.
36. Pauline: The first female saint to be canonized in Brazil, St. Pauline is the patron saint of diabetics. 
37. Philomena: Not much is known about St. Philomena; however, it is believed she was a Greek princess who was martyred for her faith at just 13 years old. Her name means 
38. Pia: Pio means “pious” or “devout.” The feminine form of this saint’s name, Pia, is named after St. Pio of Pietrelcina, a 20th-century Italian priest who is popularly known for experiencing stigmata and mystical encounters. 
39. Rafaela: This lovely name is a way to honor St. Raphael, another one of the seven archangels in the Catholic Church. 
40. Regina: Our Lady is often called “Regina Caeli,” meaning “Queen of Heaven” in Latin. This name is a great way to honor Mary through children’s names. 
41. Rosario: Honor the Blessed Mother with Marian names! Rosario means “rose” and is a beautiful name dedicated to the Rosary, a prayer in honor of the Virgin Mary.
42. Sebastiana: An early Christian martyr in the 3rd century, St. Sebastian died by being shot with arrows and later beaten to death. 
43. Seraphina: Meaning “burning one” Seraphina or “Fira” honors Saint Seraphina, a young Italian girl with a devotion to St. Gregory the Great. It’s a less popular name that should definitely be used more often!
44. Sienna: An Italian name meaning “from Siena,” Sienna is associated with St. Catherine of Siena, a 14th-century Italian mystic and doctor of the Church who is known for her visions and her role in ending the Great Schism.
45. Susanna: After converting two of her uncles to Christianity, St. Susanna was martyred for her faith by being beheaded. The name means “lily” and should definitely be on your running list!
46. Theodora: Saint Theodora was known for her dedication to education and her care for orphans and the poor. The name means, “God’s gift”. 
47. Valentina: If your baby is expected around February, name him or her after St.Valentine! The Roman saint is the patron saint of love, young people, and happy marriages. 
48. Valeria/Valerie: Meaning “strong, healthy, and brave”, Saint Valeria was an early Christian martyr from Milan.  
49. Ursula/Ursulina: This name has a cute meaning: “little bear.” St. Ursula was martyred along with her companions in Cologne while on a pilgrimage to Rome. 
50. Zélie: St. Marie-Azélie Guérin Martin was the inspiring mother of St. Therese of Lisuix and her four siblings. Otherwise known as St. Zelie Martin, it’s a cute and also honorable Christian name for your little girl.
    

Boys:

1. Ambrose: One of the four original doctors of the Church, Saint Ambrose was an Italian bishop and great theologian. His talents as a Catholic preacher inspired St. Augustine of Hippo to convert to Christianity.
2. Andre: This name is a French twist on Andrew, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. 
3. Augustine: St. Augustine of Hippo was a theologian and philosopher of the 4th century. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Christianity. 
4. Augustus: Not much is known of St. Augustus; however, what we do know is that he was an Abbott in France. One of the meanings of his name is “majestic.”  
5. Blaise: St. Blaise was a physician and bishop recognized for his miraculous healing of throat sicknesses. 
6. Francis: Known for his dedication to a life of poverty and his love of animals, St. Francis of Assisi is wonderful option to name your baby after. 
7. Felix: This name is uncommon, yet add it to your list of possible baby boy names! A Latin name meaning “happy,” Felix is a name associated with Saint Felix, who gave away his inheritance to the poor and spent his life serving those in need. 
8. Jude: St. Jude is a well-known saint who is the patron saint of lost causes. He was one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ. 
9. Carlo: Although not yet canonized, Carlo Acutis is a modern saint who is set to be most likely made the first millennial saint in 2025. Carlo was a talented web designer who died of leukemia in 2006. 
10. Cyrus: This saint was a doctor and martyr who converted many of his patients to Christianity. 
11. Emmanuel: If your baby is due around Advent, Emmanuel would be just the perfect choice. This name has a beautiful meaning, “God is with us.”
12. Sergius: A unique given name, this name honors St. Sergius, who was a Syrian-Christian martyred for his faith. 
13. Simeon: The most popular holy figure with this name is Simon Peter, one of the twelve apostles and the first pope. 
14. Valerian: Saint Valerian was a martyr commemorated for his steadfast faith during early Christian persecutions. 
15. Robert: Saint Robert Bellarmine is a doctor of the Church who spent his life defending his Catholic faith against the Protestant Reformation. 
16. Samson: Abbott, bishop, and the missionary, Saint Samson was a successful evangilizer in Wales and Brittany. Samson comes from a Hebrew word meaning “sun.”
17. Roman: St. Roman the Melodist is the patron saint of church singers. A Byzantine composer and hymnographer, his name simply means “from Rome.
18. Raphael/Rafael: One of the seven archangels, Raphael can also be spelled “Rafael” for the Spanish version. 
19. Octavian: An Archdeacon in Carthage, Saint Octavian defended the belief in the full divinity and humanity of Jesus against Arianism. He was martyred with other Catholics who would not renounce their Christian faith as well. 
20. Philip: Saint Philip was one of the 12 disciples of Our Lord. This Greek name means “horse-loving.”
21. Nicholas: Fondly associated with Christmastime, St. Nicholas was a bishop in Myra and known for his generosity and kindness; he is the patron saint of children and sailors. 
22. Theodore: Saint Theodore Tiron was a Christian martyred for his faith by immolation. His name means “gift from God”. The nickname “Theo” would be perfect for your little boy! 
23. Pio: St. Padre Pio is a well-recognized Italian monk known for his experience of the stigmata and miraculous healing powers. 
24. Pierre: Saint Pierre-François Neron, was a priest who dedicated his life to the missions in Vietnam. He was later captured and beheaded by a pagan emperor for his Christian beliefs. 
25. Alonso: Alonso, a Spanish variant of Alphonsus, is linked to St. Alphonsus Liguori, an Italian bishop known for his contributions to Catholic theology.
26. Mariano: Mariano is a masculine form of the name Mary, and is a beautiful way to honor the Blessed Mother.
27. Maximillian: Martyred at Auschwitz for sacrificing his life for a fellow prisoner, St. Maximillian Kolbe was a devout Polish Catholic priest during World War 2. 
28. Bosco: Bosco means “forest” and is associated with St. John Bosco, a 19th-century Italian priest renowed for his work with orphaned and abandoned boys. 
29. Fulton: Archbishop Fulton Sheen was an American bishop and Catholic talk show host. Although not yet a saint, Fulton J. Sheen is a candidate for canonization and is referred to as “Venerable”.
30. Julius: Saint Julius was a Christian martyr who was persecuted for refusing to make a sacrifice to Roman gods. 
31. Ivan: Also known as John of Rila, St. Ivan was the first Bulgarian hermit and is recognized as a saint for his miraculous interactions with wildlife. 
32. Vincent: The patron saint of charitable societies, St. Vincent de Paul is a French priest who spent his life serving the poor and needy. 
33. Isidore: St. Isidore the Farmer is one of the five saints of Spain. He is the patron saint of farmers and rural communities. 
34. Gabriel: One of the seven archangels of the Catholic Church, St. Gabriel’s name means “God is my strength.” 
35. George: St. George, a Christian martyr and Roman soldier, is best known for the story of slaying a dragon. 
36. Benedict: Founder of the Benedictine order, St. Benedict’s name means “blessed.” The Benedictine medal, found in many Catholic homes, is one of the most powerful medals that you can wear. 
37. Etienne: Saint Etienne-Theodore Cuenot was a priest and later an auxiliary bishop. He ordained fifty-six native priests in Vietnam before being captured by the forces of Emperor Tu-Duc. He died in prison. 
38. Eugene: Recognized for his good works of charity and sanctity, St. Eugune became pope in 654. He is the patron saint of dysfunctional families.  
39. Cassian: Cassian of Imola is an Italian saint and was a teacher in the 4th century. Arrested for his beliefs, he died at the hands of his students. 
40. Dominic: Popularly known as one of the first to teach and pray the Rosary, Saint Dominic received an apparition from the Blessed Virgin Mary, who instructed him to pray the sacred prayer to combat heretics. 
41. Sebastian: An early Christian martyr in the 3rd century, St. Sebastian died by being shot with arrows and later beaten to death. 
42. Damian: The patron saint of leprosy, St. Damian of Molokai, worked as a priest on the island of Hawaii. He spent much of his life serving leper colonies, and eventually caught the disease himself and died in 1889. 
43. Declan: Saint Declan was an early Irish saint and bishop known for his successful evangelism in Ireland. 
44. Alphonsus/Alfonsus: One of the most popular saints in the history of Christianity, St. Alphonsus Liguori is mainly known for his works in moral theology. He is the patron saint of theologians and vocations. 
45. Levi: St. Matthew, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus, is also recognized in the New Testament as “Levi.” 
46. Lawrence: Deacon and Christian martyr, Saint Lawrence was persecuted in Rome after refusing to renounce his faith. 
47. Lorenzo: Patron saint of the Philippines, Saint Lorenzo Ruiz was a father of 3 and a devout Catholic. Arrested in Japan for being a Christian, he was tortured and eventually killed by Japanese officials. 
48. Leo: “St. Leo the Great” is a former pope known to be one of the greatest popes in the history of the Catholic Church. The word Leo comes from the Latin word meaning “lion”.
49. Ignatius: t. Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish priest and theologian who founded the Society of Jesus. He is the patron saint of soldiers. 
50. Xavier: A 16th-century Spanish Jesuit missionary, St. Xavier was the leader of the first Christian mission to the country of Japan.

As Catholic parents, selecting saints’ names or biblical figures as the perfect name for your child is the first step to inspiring their spiritual journey. I hope this list helps encourage the rich tradition of naming Catholic babies after saints who have inspired Christians for generations.