Baptismal name--general inquiry

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Going into RCIA season I’m generally curious about baptismal names. I’m curious if any non-cradle Catholics have actually taken one and for what reason. Do you have to have one? If you take one, do people begin calling you by that name?
 
generally a new name for an adult who is being baptized would be chosen in the person comes from a pagan background and wishes to choose a saint’s name, or if their given name is one inherently incompatible with the Christian life, such as that of a pagan god. If you wish that name to be your legal name you would have to take steps in civil court to change it. Otherwise the name would be recorded in the parish baptismal record, along with your given name, but would not change your name legally.
 
My godfather had no middle name, but adopted the name of the parish patron saint as both his baptismal name and middle name.
I was not required to take a new or additional name at Baptism, but did so for Confirmation and sometimes use it with my other names.
Don’t know if this answers your question or not.
 
ESimmons said:
Going into RCIA season I’m generally curious about baptismal names. I’m curious if any non-cradle Catholics have actually taken one and for what reason. Do you have to have one?
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Its not required, although highly suggested if your mum named you something like Beelzebub or Lucifer.
 
Kielbasi said:
Its not required, although highly suggested if your mum named you something like Beelzebub or Lucifer.
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Indeed, also if your mom decided that somebody’s family name, such as Tyler or Madison, would work; or Tiffany or some such. You also might want to honor a saint whose life you think just speaks to you by making that saint your patron…ALTHOUGH I like a very recent trend around here that uses virtues as first names, such as Courage, Prudence, Charity, etc.
 
OutinChgoburbs said:
Indeed, also if your mom decided that somebody’s family name, such as Tyler or Madison, would work; or Tiffany or some such. You also might want to honor a saint whose life you think just speaks to you by making that saint your patron…ALTHOUGH I like a very recent trend around here that uses virtues as first names, such as Courage, Prudence, Charity, etc.
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I was baptized Timothy James, neither of which were to honor saints. The first was because my mother worked around horses her whole life, thus becoming acquainted with a type of hay (called Timothy Hay). The James was my father’s middle name. So, when I was confirmed, I chose to honor St. Maximilian Kolbe.
 
In researching the topic, I have read that usually people only take a baptismal name when their name is contrary to the Catholic spirit. As one poster suggested, Lucifers or Beelzebubs might consider names like Matthew or Mark.

As for me, my name is Eric. The name isn’t particularly contrary to the Catholic spirit, however it is only connected with one patron saint of Sweden (?). My parents more than likely arbitrarily chose my name and definitely did not take into consideration Eric IX of Sweden.
 
TimOliv said:
I was baptized Timothy James, neither of which were to honor saints. The first was because my mother worked around horses her whole life, thus becoming acquainted with a type of hay (called Timothy Hay). The James was my father’s middle name. So, when I was confirmed, I chose to honor St. Maximilian Kolbe.
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I love timothy hay!!! Have you ever gotten the opportunity to smell some? It is super.

Fact is, though, there is a recorded St. Tim, and a recorded St. Jim. And of course, there is the honored St. Maxilmilian.
 
OutinChgoburbs said:
I love timothy hay!!! Have you ever gotten the opportunity to smell some? It is super.

Fact is, though, there is a recorded St. Tim, and a recorded St. Jim. And of course, there is the honored St. Maxilmilian.
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I never said there wasn’t. However, I was not named to honor them. I was named to honor hay and my father. Intent plays a big part in all of this. The only name I have which honors a saint is Maximilian. I chose it specifically to honor St. Maximilian.
 
TimOliv said:
I never said there wasn’t. However, I was not named to honor them. I was named to honor hay and my father. Intent plays a big part in all of this. The only name I have which honors a saint is Maximilian. I chose it specifically to honor St. Maximilian.
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Do St. Tim and St. Jim know that?😉
 
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