Why are we supposed to name our children after saints?

Question

I'm not a Catholic, but my wife is. We've decided to have our two children baptized and brought up as Catholics. We've been getting instructions from the parish. We were advised to pick a saint's name for each of the children. Why is that done?

Answer

The Apostles' Creed says that we believe in the communion of saints. This means we are spiritually united with those who have died and are now in heaven. They can act as intercessors—they have the ability to assist us and pray for us.

By choosing a saint’s name you acknowledge this fact and ask a particular saint to assist you in bringing up the child; the saint becomes the child’s patron and a role model for the child.

Answered by: Catholic Answers Staff