Must a child have a saint's name to be baptized?

[dulls]

I just have a quick question with regards to baptism and naming a child. I recently had a debate with a friend who does not believe me on this matter. As far as I was aware, children needed to be named (either first or middle name) after a saint in order to be baptized. This may have changed as years have gone on, but I have always known this to be the case. Can you please shed some light on the situation?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

The Church does not require that a child be given a saint’s name in order to be baptized. All that is required is that the name not be opposed to Christian piety. The Code of Canon Law states:

Parents, sponsors, and parish priests are to take care that a name is not given that is foreign to Christian sentiment (canon 855).

While the practice of giving a saint’s name (e.g., Joseph, Rita) or a name that indicates a Christian virtue (e.g., Faith, Hope) is a good practice, secular names may also be used. What cannot be done is for Christian parents to give their children anti-Christian names (e.g., Satan).