Saint Names for Girls

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.

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.