Q. What is the Church’s stance on naming children?
A. Interesting question. Thank you for asking it. The Code of Canon Law, which governs many aspects of the Church’s life, has this to say in Canon 855: “Parents, sponsors, and the pastor are to take care that a name foreign to Christian sensibility is not given.”
A person’s name is incredibly important, as everything we know about that person is largely associated with their name. That is, when we hear one’s name we think, ‘that person is loving, kind, works well with others, etc.’
Prior to the current Code of Canon Law, which took effect Nov. 27, 1983, it was largely understood, presumed and accepted that parents would name their child after a saint, a biblical person, or virtue.
The saint, biblical person or virtue for whom a child is named should serve that child as that child’s special patron to protect, guide, and be his or her heavenly intercessor for the individual who bears that saint’s name.
In certain parts of the world, Catholics name their children after the saint on whose feast day they are born, or the nearest feast day. My grandfather’s birthday, for example, was June 30. As the feast of Saints Peter and Paul is June 29, his first name was Peter and his middle name Paul.
Interestingly, not all biblical persons are listed as saints in the Church’s calendar of saints. Another interesting dimension to this question is that many popular names are actually saint names sometimes from centuries in the past.
Naming one’s child is a serious obligation and I ask future parents to seriously consider the Catholic dimension when considering a name. Ask yourself, what do you wish to convey in choosing your child’s name – popularity, or the desire for your child to emulate a saint, biblical person or virtue?
In addition, do you know why you were given the name you have? If your parents are alive, ask them why they gave you the name you have.
Again, a very fine question. I am grateful that you asked it.
This question was answered by a priest of the Diocese of Lincoln. Write to Ask the Register using our online form, or write to 3700 Sheridan Blvd., Suite 10, Lincoln NE 68506-6100. All questions are subject to editing. Editors decide which questions to publish. Personal questions cannot be answered. People with such questions are urged to take them to their nearest Catholic priest.
