Many parents seek saints for inspiration when deciding on a name for their child. However, what does the term “saint names” actually mean?
A saint is a revered someone who has been declared a saint by the Catholic Church. While some saints were renowned for their piety and good deeds, many were martyrs who lost their lives in defense of their beliefs.
When someone is baptized or confirmed, they are frequently given the name of a saint. Here we have curated for you a list of 45+ inspirational saint names for boys.
Meaning Behind The Saint Names
Depending on the saint’s life narrative and the language from which it originates, saint names for boys may have several meanings. Latin, the language of the Roman Empire and the Church during the Middle Ages, is the source of many saint names.
Some saint names for boys are based on New Testament characters, including Mary, Paul, and Peter. Another common source of saint names for boys is the apostles, who were Jesus’ closest disciples. Saint Andrew, for instance, is the patron saint of Scotland and one of the apostles.
Saint names for boys can have cultural and historical value in addition to their religious meaning. For instance, it is customary in many Spanish-speaking nations to use the prefix “San” or “Santo” before the name of a saint, as in San Francisco (St. Francis) or Santo Domingo (St. Dominic).
Origins
- Hebrew: The Bible is the source of many saints’ names, particularly those of early Christian leaders and those from the Old Testament. There is a deep spiritual meaning to these names.Examples are Abraham (the “Father of many”) and Aaron (the “Lofty Mountain”).
- Latin: Since Latin was the language of the Roman Catholic Church, many saints’ names had Latin roots. “Sanctus,” which means “holy” or “consecrated,” is where the word “saint” originates. Several well-known saints with Latin roots include:Sanctus: The Latin word meaning “holy,” this term is frequently used in religious work names, such as the “Sanctus” part of the Catholic Mass.
Augustine The Latin name “Augustinus,” which means “venerable” or “majestic,” is the source of this name. - English: There are plenty of saint names having English roots, but many also have Latin roots. These names can be excellent options for parents seeking a name that is both conventional and distinctive, and they frequently have a more contemporary vibe. The following are a few well-known saint names with English roots:
The name Aidan, which translates to “fiery one,” was that of an Irish saint and monk from the seventh century.
George: This name, which translates to “farmer,” was given to a Christian martyr in the fourth century.