In preparation for 2025 as a Jubilee Year, Pope Francis declared 2024 to be the Year of Prayer in the hopes that the faithful will rediscover the centrality of prayer for our faith life. Much like we cannot exist without the constancy of rhythmic breathing, our spiritual life cannot survive without a consistent prayer life.
Surely graces abound during this time for those looking to learn or rejuvenate such practices! How special would it be for babies born this year to be named in commemoration of a time in their parents’ lives when they were becoming more intimate with Christ?
Names with Masculine and Feminine Forms
Angelus // Angel, Angela, and Angela are all acceptable names within society. Angelus has a similar sound and brings to mind the traditional rhythmic prayer of the Church.
Benedict and Benedicta // “Blessed” is the meaning of this name, and blessed be the name of the Lord!
Gregorio and Gregoria // For those parents who find solace and calm in Gregorian chant. The name means “vigilant, a watchman.” Those who pray regularly could also be described as such.
Honor // A name which echoes the eternal words of Revelation 7:12: “Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
Jude // A name which means “praise” directed towards the Divine (see “Judah” below).
Laudes // A name which means “praises highly, or canonical hour.” It is also the Latin title for Morning Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours.
Psalm // In honor of some of the greatest and most relatable prayers of all time!
Feminine Names
Arabella // Derived from Latin, this name means “yielding to prayer,” as we all should do!
Araminta // From the Latin-derived name Arabella and the Greek-derived name Aminta, which means “strength.” One who bears this name would be sure to be a prayerful individual and could be called “Mint” for short.
Caeli // Latin for “of heaven,” it is a part of the title of the “Regina Caeli” prayer, translated into English as “Queen of Heaven,” which sings the praises of our Lady. Pronunciation is “CHAY-lee.”
Dillian // The pronunciation rhymes with Lillian; this name means “image of worship.” Worship is the ultimate prayer for which we were made.
Gloria // The prayer of the angels! “Glo” would be a precious nickname.
Itta // Pronounced “EE-tah,” this sweet name is a Yiddish variation of Judith, a feminine form of “Judah” (see below).
Magnificat // Mary’s famous prayer praising God for His faithfulness and generosity. It could be shortened to Maggie for daily use.
Memorare // A powerful prayer to our Lady with a soft and strong feminine quality about it. Raree (which could be pronounced “rawr-ee”) has a similar sound to the popular Irish name, Rory. It could serve as an abbreviation.
Odelia// Pronounced “oh-DEE-lee-ah,” it is Hebrew for “I will praise the Lord.”
Ora // A name derived from the verb from the Latin phrase “Ora pro nobis” in the Litany of Saint, asking the saints to “Pray for Us.” It is the imperative form of the verb, meaning “You, pray!”
Osanna // A real name which has obvious ties to the Hebrew prayer, “Hosanna!” It is Latin for “praise the Lord” or “God save.”
Regina // Latin for Queen, it corresponds to the hymn “Regina Caeli” about the Queen of Heaven. “Reggie” could serve as an updated nickname—or parents could roll with the traditional, “Gina.”
Rosary // There exist many variations of the traditional name Rose; this seems like a natural/prayerful alternative for Catholics.
Selah // A Hebrew word found throughout Scripture, especially in the Psalms, which indicates a prayerful pause of praise for God.
Masculine Names
Bede // A short, cheerful name which also means “prayer.”
Declan // Irish names are quite popular in the States; this one means “man of prayer.”
Judah // This name was a prayer of praise by Leah (the Old Testament figure) at the birth of her fourth son. It was the first time she acknowledged what God was doing for her in the names of her children.
Oratio // A classic Latin form of prayer which follows a specific formula, and also the Latin word for “prayer.”
Orison // A strong and unique French name which derives from the Latin word for prayer. “Ori” would make a good nickname.
Saul // This biblical name means “prayed for” in Hebrew—the name of King Saul, the first king of Israel, as well as Saint Paul before Jesus called him on the road to Damascus.
Silas // From the Hebrew verb meaning “asked for” in a prayerful sense.
Know a Baby on the Way?
We have more resources for you! Whether it is more ideas for baby names or gifts you may need to purchase, we have got you covered! Check out these options below.
Unique and Usable Biblical Baby Names
Not-So-Typical Unique Catholic Baby Names
How to Name Your Baby (Catholic Style)
Catholic Baby Registry (Catholic Gift Ideas for a Baby Shower)
Catholic 1, 2, 3 Poster for Kids
THE PERFECT BOOK FOR KIDS
Rise Up will open up beautiful conversations with your children about the virtues.
. This will bring beautiful fruit to your prayer life and to your children's prayer lives.
Grace is a regular contributor to the BIS Blog. She had planned to be a nurse until an encounter with Christ in Confession ignited a spark that resulted in an ongoing career as a high school Theology teacher. Though a cradle Catholic, she continues to be amazed at the depth of peace and joy that can be found within the Faith and can’t help but share that passion with others as a teacher, writer, and speaker. Outside of ministry, she dabbles in a bit of everything, excels in almost nothing, and like most moms, cannot survive without at least one cup of coffee a day. Grace resides in Charleston, SC with her hunky husband and their daughter who looks just like him. You can find out more about her here. Read all of Grace's posts here.
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