And here is the final batch of unusual-yet-cool female saint names…
- St. Lioba, English (but associated with Germany), 8th century. Also known as Leoba, Liobgetha, and Leobgytha. Feast day: September 28.
- St. Galla, Roman, 6th century. Her name is likely based on the Latin word gallus, meaning either Gaulish (if capitalized) or rooster (if uncapitalized). Feast day: October 5.
- St. Flaviana, possibly Frankish, unknown century. Feast day: October 5.
- St. Saula, possibly British, possibly 4rd century. Or, she could be legendary. Associated with St. Ursula. Feast day: October 20.
- St. Cilinia, Frankish, 5th century. Feast day: October 21.
- St. Alodia, Spanish, 9th century. Feast day: October 22.
- St. Cyrenia, Anatolian, 4th century. Feast day: November 1.
- St. Carina, Anatolian, 4th century. Feast day: November 7.
- St. Apphia, Anatolian, 1st century. Feast day: November 22.
- St. Attalia, Austrian, 8th century. Feast day: December 3.
- St. Asella, Roman, 5th century. Feast day: December 6.
- St. Anysia, Greek, 4th century. Feast day: December 30.
…And that makes sixty!
Of all the names in the series, only four (Maura, Marina, Serena, and Carina…see any trends?) currently rank among the the top 1,000 baby names in the nation. Eleven others ranked in previous years, but not in 2007.
Did you see any names you liked?
More importantly, did I miss any good ones?
7 Comments
How ’bout Leocadia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09173b.htm. There’s a painting of her in the Prado, too.
And Alodia is Elodie in French. I think it sounds far more stylish!
I was going to say that I find Elodie prettier than Alodia, but Abby beat me to it!
Other awesome and usable female saints’ names include Daria, Xenia, Junia, Zenobia, Zenaida, Sidonia, Anastasia, and the previously-mentioned Evanthia. Some of these may be Orthodox-only (not sure since I’m Protestant), but I think they’re all very pretty.
My favorites from the list are Flavia and Anthia/Anthea. My MIL’s name is Maura, which I always thought was just a variant of Mary, not a saint’s name in its own right.
What about Macrina (Emmelia’s mother, also a saint. This was also her daugher’s name, who also became a saint?) Is Brigid unusual enough for the list?
I love your list. I do saint name research so the idea of finding unique but usable names is near and dear to my heart. Some other names I like include: Thecla, Dymphna, Celestina, Faustina, Lucia, Gianna, Gemma and Demetria. There is a great alphabetical list here: http://saints.sqpn.com/alphabetical-list/
I also think it is very interesting to use some of the last names or other designation such as the place of origin. For example: Cabrini (for Frances Xavier Cabrini); Siena (for Catherine of Siena); or Avila (for Teresa of Avila).
For my own children, I have used derivatives of saint names and have often feminized male names: eg: Dominique, Marya, Kiera, Michaela, etc…
@Jody – I know of a young Avila, named for St. Teresa.
And I’d bet that at least a few of the Sienas out there are named for St. Catherine.
I have yet to hear of a Cabrini, though. (I think parents might be more inclined to use Frances/Francesca or Xaviera to honor her.)
OT: Did you know that St. Catherine of Siena had 20-some-odd siblings? I’ve always wondered what all of their names were…
I love Flaviana. Its not that unusual in Italy.
I have always thought that Siena Catherine would make a nice combo. I also really like Assisi as a female name.