Catholic Names, huh?

[patrick457]

I have heard people say that in a Catholic Church they give you a name, like middle name or something that is supposed to be that of a Saint/disciple?

Is this required?
Scripture for why?

My name is Cain, is that considered Christian, even though he was not a good guy?

1.) It is not really required that parents name their kids after saints, though the custom is widespread.

2.) No, there is nothing in Scripture which states anything about this custom; trying to search the Bible for it would be like trying to search it for mentions of atoms or automobiles.

Then again, there is also no passage in the Bible which says ‘thou shalt not name thy children after the names of the saints’ so, why not give it a go?

3.) There’s nothing bad with Cain, I think. Just because the first murderer had the name does not make the name evil; names in themselves are not inherently bad, however some names may have negative connotations in the minds of many (take for example, Judas or Adolf, for obvious reasons).

For example, the name Judas has particularly become of such bad repute due to Judas Iscariot bearing the name. However, one of Jesus’ disciples, St. Jude (Judas) Thaddeus also bears the name, so the name Judas is not in itself evil (the name itself is a variant of Judah and was a common name amongst Jews in Jesus’ time); however it would be prudent not to name a kid such as it would cause confusion in people’s minds (many might associate it with Judas Iscariot than Judas Thaddeus).

 

[patrick457]

umk. I figured it was something required cause I had heard of it a lot, but guess not. I prefer my name, but the saint rolltide and me found that was a lot like me is St.Idore the Farmer. Since we’re both farmers, and worked on them, but I believe he was a city guy that worked on farms outside of the city, but nto sure.

It was said that St. Isidore was a very poor (he worked as a farmer under the wealthy Madrid landowner Juan de Vargas on a farm in the vicinity of 11th-12th century Madrid) yet a particularly devout man; every morning before going to work in his farm, he used to go to one of the churches in Madrid.

Eventually, his fellow-farmers complained to their master that Isidore was always late for work in the morning. Upon investigation, the master found Isidore at prayer while an Angel was doing the ploughing for him. On another occasion, his master saw an Angel ploughing on either side of him, so that Isidore’s work was equal to that of three of his fellow-laborers.

 

[Bro_Joshua]

I am happy to see that most (maybe all) of the posts here realize that it is not a requirement to use the name of a saint that has already been cannonized in naming for Baptism or Confirmation.

It is and was such a cultural norm in many places that some folks thought it was a Church rule. It never was a rule of the Church. At one point,way back in Irish history, The Irish Christians would have considered it vanity to name oneself or a child after a Saint. That has obviously changed.

It is becomming common in some cultures and societies that do not have a long history of indigenous saint names to give their child a common name from within their cultural group without resorting to borrowing only European and Mid-Eastern names. Once a person is bnaptized (or confirmed) what ever name they use becomes Christian. An Ojibwe (Native American) name that honored the Gospel was refused by a priest not too many years ago. Interesting, eh?

 

[HollyDolly]

It’s customery to give a child a saint’s name in Catholic families., which may also be the same name as a relative.
I’m named for both my grandmother and St.Hilda,which is an old german name, my middle name is Mary for Our Lady, and my confirmation name is Cecilia,for the patron saint of music and an early christian martyer. Yes, you can consider Cain a christian name, since it is in the bible, and my great aunt,Sister Mary Generose,S.S.N.D. in real life was named Eva, I assume for Eve the first woman, mother of Cain and Abel.I think there is also a St.Eva .

Someone mentioned the name Adolf. It’s a german name and despite Hitler, i’m sure boys are still given the name. George seems to be a popular name in my family.
My mom’s side is Hungarian so not too sure on old family names,
but they undoubtly follow the same way as my german relatives.

 

[MatrAdmirabilis]

In the pre Vatican II church is it required that you select a saint’s name when naming a newborn child. Not just the middle name, but the first name. Biblical names work, as those in the old testament who were good did go to heaven when Christ died. Therefore they are saints as well.

 

[pnewton]

In the pre Vatican II church is it required that you select a saint’s name when naming a newborn child. Not just the middle name, but the first name.

Do you mean to say it was required, or are you asking a question?

 

[Fox]

1.) It is not really required that parents name their kids after saints, though the custom is widespread.

2.) No, there is nothing in Scripture which states anything about this custom; trying to search the Bible for it would be like trying to search it for mentions of atoms or automobiles.

Then again, there is also no passage in the Bible which says ‘thou shalt not name thy children after the names of the saints’ so, why not give it a go?

3.) There’s nothing bad with Cain, I think. Just because the first murderer had the name does not make the name evil; names in themselves are not inherently bad, however some names may have negative connotations in the minds of many (take for example, Judas or Adolf, for obvious reasons).

For example, the name Judas has particularly become of such bad repute due to Judas Iscariot bearing the name. However, one of Jesus’ disciples, St. Jude (Judas) Thaddeus also bears the name, so the name Judas is not in itself evil (the name itself is a variant of Judah and was a common name amongst Jews in Jesus’ time); however it would be prudent not to name a kid such as it would cause confusion in people’s minds (many might associate it with Judas Iscariot than Judas Thaddeus).

Cain, to me as negative vibes, when I hear the name I immediately think of the first murderer. If this was my name I’d personally have it changed. This is just my opinion or perception.

 

[brianmichael]

Cain, to me as negative vibes, when I hear the name I immediately think of the first murderer. If this was my name I’d personally have it changed. This is just my opinion or perception.

especially after our Lord told Cain that anyone who slays him will be punished 7fold…EVERYONE knew who Cain was even before Lamech slayed him

 

[CWBetts]

I chose Thomas as my Confirmation name because of the admiration od Saint Thomas More, as for a Biblical basis:

Abram became Abraham
Sarai became Sarah
Jacob became Israel
Simon became Peter
Saul became Paul

All of these people underwent a name change at a significant point of thier life concerning thier relationship with God. Thats what Confirmation is. A very significant event concerning our relationship with God.

 

[Bro_Joshua]

Old Testament heros, prophets and what ever, are considered Saints, especialy in view of Jesus going to collect them during the time of His Death and Resurrection, opening the gates of Heaven through His redemption of fallen Maknind. Those we call “Canonized” saints are since the Resurrection and establishment of the Church by the Christ. so, Old Testament names are fine, Moses, Abraham, etc.

Cain is also good for Jesus’ redemption included Cain, Adam and Eve’s redemption as protrayed in the Icons and many prayers and teachings. However, I can understand if a person has in mind the slaying of able by Cain, then he or she would not wish to give such a name. Thinking of the love and favor and the forgiveness of the Father through Jesus, the name of Cain is honorable, and a good reminder of God’s love and mercy for all of us.

Samu’el and David, Solomon and Samson also commited grave sins and brought ruin and shame upon the People, yet there seems to be plenty os Sams and Davids around these days.

 

[NeedImprovement]

I chose Thomas as my Confirmation name because of the admiration od Saint Thomas More, …

That is definitely one fine Thomas…didn’t have a chance to choose my Confirmation name- I was given Joseph at Baptism and Peter at Confirmation (guess they figure I needed a lot of help).

I used to wonder how mothers could name their son after the apostle Thomas, since everyone used to refer to him as “doubting Thomas” but figured it out later…“My Lord and my God.”

Additionally, the poor guy really didn’t deserve the bad rap. They called him doubting, yet even the disciples who saw Jesus doubted in the beginning even after seeing Him; poor Thomas didn’t even get that chance. He was supposed to believe on account of others who saw, but were still initially in disbelief after seeing for a period. Thomas didn’t have that problem. He saw and he believed.

There’s also this little passage in scripture which is kind of obscure in location compared to other talk of dying with Jesus…in John 11:16 , DRV] :

Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples:** Let us also go, that we may die with him.**

What I found more notable is that after Thomas had said this Jesus didn’t question the sincerity of his words or say Thomas would deny him three times. His heart may well have been ready at that point

 

[Patrick2340]

One of the names I wanted to use for our son last year was Benedict, but my wife reminded me that in the U.S. that name is forever synonymous with “traitor”.