Confirmation Names for Girls

How can a strong simple name like Cera remain so uncommon? Only five baby girls were named Cera in the US last year.

Melodic and unusual, and she will outgrow any bib jokes.

Dymphna, also spelled Dympna, is the name of an Irish virgin martyr. The story goes that she was a Celtic princess who fled to Belgium to escape the abusive attentions of her father, and his mad actions led to her becoming the patron saint of the insane.

The strong and unusual name of a medieval (male) saint and a contemporary (female) novelist, Benilde Little.

Though often heard in the Hispanic and Italian communities, it hasn't made an impact here, perhaps because of the connection to the character of Faust and his pact with the devil. Variations: FAUSTINA, FAUSTIA, FAUSTIANA

Valery was in the Top 1000 from 2005 to 2009, and reemerged in 2018. This spelling is often used among Hispanic families in the US.

Michelina Matelli was a wealthy Italian woman who became a nun. She was made Saint Michelina in the 1700s.

Vincenza makes romance of Vincent. Vincenza Gerosa was one of the founders of the Sisters of Charity of Lovere and was later made a saint.

This fairly obscure saint's name was chosen by Oscar-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden for one of her twins.

Hilaria, the ancient Roman form of Hilary also given to joyous festivals, is still used in Spain and Poland, while the intriguing Italian version is Ilaria. A notable current bearer is fitness expert and wife of Alec, Hilaria Baldwin, who was born Hillary.

St Quiteria was a 5th century virgin martyr who was killed after refusing to renounce her Christian faith in order to marry. Her name may derive from Kythere ("the red one"), a title of the Phonecian mother-goddess Astarte, perhaps via Greek Kythereia, an epithet of Aphrodite. The French version is Quitterie.

Saintly, and a Mother Superior to boot.

Unfortunately, everyone will hear Crispina, the feminine form of Crispin, as Christina.

As Joaquin enters the American mainstream, his sister might just follow.

Honorata is the feminine form of Honoratus, the name of several saints including the patron saint of bakers.

Although the saintly Gratia was male -- Blessed Gratia of Kotor -- this name feels quite female today.

Justa is an ancient saints' name. Saints Justa and Rufina were martyred sisters who are today the patron saints of Seville in Spain.

Bernardine is really driving home its Bernard connection, for better or worse. Bernadine is the usual form of this name.