People sometimes e-mail me to ask for confirmation name suggestions. I’m always happy to help, but these e-mails are starting to give me the impression that many young Catholics think choosing a confirmation name is just like choosing a baby name.
The problem, of course, is that confirmation names are nothing like baby names. A baby name is a legal name that’s used socially. It’s an identity. A confirmation name is not a legal name, and is not used socially. It’s more of a symbol.
With baby names, fashion matters. (At least to most people.) With confirmation names, fashion shouldn’t matter at all. A confirmation name should come from a Catholic saint you admire, someone you feel an affinity for, regardless of his or her name.
I didn’t quite comprehend this back when I was a teenager getting ready to be confirmed. I opted for a stylish saint name over a meaningful saint name. It’s a decision I still regret.
I’d hate for others to make that same mistake. So, if you’re stumped for a confirmation name, here’s my best advice: forget about names entirely. Just read about the saints–what they were like, what they overcame, what they accomplished. Here are some good places to start:
As you go through each biography, ask yourself questions like: Does this saint inspire me? Would this saint be a good role model for me? The answers will lead you in the right direction.
4 Comments
A confirmation name is not a legal name, and is not used socially.
Unless you happen to really dislike your given name. My uncle (mother’s brother) used his confirmation name until he graduated college, when he apparently decided his given name was good enough. My father’s brother isn’t Catholic, and in order to escape the terror of HIS hideous name he’s had to resort to calling himself Bill. Oh, people assume that the middle-initial-W is for William and he has an atrocious first name, but no, in reality BOTH his names kinda suck.
Nancy, I really appreciate this post. I’ve noticed an uptick in hits related to searches like “obscure saints names” as confirmation season approaches, too.
My confirmation name is the deadly dull Teresa, a name that I can’t love. When I went searching I decided to learn about the three women considered doctors of the church – Teresa of Avila, Catherine of Siena and Therese de Lisieux. As it happened, I’d actually been to Avila and as I read, I realized that I felt a link to the saint.
I’ve been name crazy my entire life, but I have to say – I’ve never regretted choosing my confirmation name for the meaning rather than the sound.
Very well said Nancy. I would never consider the confirmation name I chose for a child, I don’t find the sound particularly appealing. Its Dymphna, but I felt a strong affinity to the saint, and I don’t regret my decision, despite its clunky sound, I am proud to incorporate it into my initials because it was the one time where I had the opportunity to choose a name that I felt was meaningful to me. I would rather save a name I really love for a child, instead of wasting it on myself lol.
You make an excellent point. I chose Francis of Assisi. I remember being nervous that I wouldn’t be allowed to choose a male saint but I felt a strong connection to him. Now there are several other saints that I turn to more often and admire, but Francis was the right choice at the time. I do love his name too though and would consider it for a son.
You did a post a while back on last names of saints and it helped me find Casey for Fr. Solanus Casey. Thanks!