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Claire, Basile, Tatiana, Rémi, Fabien, Vincent… Explore the many names celebrated at the start of the year and learn their meanings.
The start of a new year always brings new celebrations. In January, many saints’ names are honored. For instance, on January 2, we celebrate the name Basile, a male name associated with Saint Basil the Great, bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia in the 4th century. This first month also highlights other names such as Angèle, Agnès, and Martine. Here is a complete list of saints’ names celebrated in January and their meanings, so you don’t miss an opportunity to wish someone a happy name day.
January 1: Saint Clair
On January 1, we celebrate Saint Clair and its variations Claire, Clar, Cler, Fionn, Kler, Sklaer. The name Clair comes from the Latin word “clarus” meaning “bright”, “glorious”, or “brilliant”. It also means “illustrious”. It refers to Saint Clair of Dauphiné, a Catholic abbot who died around 660. On this date, the names Eugend, Fulgence, and Télémaque are also celebrated.
January 2: Saint Basil
On January 2, we celebrate Saint Basil and its variations: Baraxil, Bas, Base, Basel, Basileo, Basilina, Basilino, Basilios, Basilius, Bassel, Bassiana, Bassiano, Bazek, Bazel, Vasili, Vasilia, Vasso, Wasili. Basile, from the ancient Greek Basileios or Basileus, means “king”. In Arabic, Bazile means “very generous”. It refers to Saint Basil the Great, bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia in the 4th century, who wrote the main monastic rule of the Eastern Church.
Other names celebrated on January 2 include Adélard, Adalard, Allard, Séraphin, Séraphine, Stéphanie, Steffi.
January 3: Saint Genevieve
On January 3, we celebrate Saint Genevieve. The name Genevieve is derived from the Celtic and Germanic name Genovefa. Genovefa is composed of the Celtic element “gen” and the Germanic element “vefa”, which respectively mean “birth” and “woman”. Alternatively, linked to the Germanic terms “geno” and “wifa” meaning “good race” and “woman”, Genevieve would mean “woman of good race”. It refers to Saint Genevieve, a Christian who reassured the Parisians alarmed by the approach of the Huns in 451. She devoted her life to the poor and sick. Saint Genevieve is the patron saint of Paris.
The names Gena, Gene, Genovero, Geva, Gin, Gina, Ginette, Guenia, Guenièvre, Guynneth, Gwineth, Gwynett, Jennie, Jenny, and Jennifer are also celebrated on this day.
January 4: Saint Odilon
On January 4, we celebrate Saint Odilon and its related names Odille, Odéle, Othilde, Odelin, Odon, Olan, Otton, Otello, Orlan, Otniel, Orelien. The name Odilon is of Germanic origin, translating to “heritage” and “fortune”. It refers to Saint Odilon of Mercœur, who was the head of the Benedictine abbey of Cluny. He initiated the festival of All Souls’ Day on November 2.
January 5: Saint Edward
On January 5, we celebrate Saint Edward and its variations Ed, Eduard, Eddie, Eddy, Teddy, Ted, Edouarde, Edouardine, Edward, Eduardo, Ned, Neil. The old name Eadweard is composed of the elements “ead” and “weard”, which mean “wealth” and “guard” respectively. Thus, Edward denotes “the guardian of the treasure”. It refers to Saint Edward, king of England in the early 11th century, so generous and kind to common folks that he became the subject of popular veneration.
Besides the name Edward and its derivatives, the names Emilienne, Emiliane, Conwoion, and Deogratias are also celebrated on January 5.
January 6: Saint Balthazar
On January 6, we celebrate Saint Balthazar. Balthazar is derived from the Hebrew name Beltsha’zzar, which can be interpreted as “Bel protects the king’s life”. In Christian legend, Balthazar is one of the three wise men who came to worship Christ at his birth. Bringing frankincense and dressed in yellow, he represents Asia.
The names Melchior and Epiphane are also celebrated on this day, coinciding with the Epiphany, a Christian festival that honors the Wise Men around the famous King’s Cake.
January 7: Saint Raymond
On January 7, we celebrate Saint Raymond, or Ray, and Raymonde for a girl. The name Raymond comes from the Germanic name Raginmund. This old name is composed of the terms “ragin” and “mund” which mean “counsel” and “protection” respectively. It refers to Saint Raymond, Master General of the Dominicans in the 13th century.
The names Aldric, Aldéric, Aldred, Audric, Polyeucte, Tillon, Théau are also celebrated on January 7.
January 8: Saint Lucien
On January 8, we celebrate Saint Lucien, and its variants Lucian, Luciana, Luciano, Lulu, Lucienne. The French name Lucien is derived from the Latin Lucius, often linked to the word “lux” which means “light”. It refers to Saint Lucien, a Roman priest who evangelized Gaul in the 3rd century and gave his life to Christ. His motto was: “I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
Several other names have their feast day on January 8: Erhard, Evrard, Eberhard, Ebrard, Gudule, Peggy.
January 9: Saint Alix
On January 9, we celebrate Saint Alix and its variants Alixe, Alixia, and Alixiane. Alix comes from the German “adal” meaning noble. It refers to Saint Alix, founder of the congregation of Notre Dame. At 21, she renounced earthly pleasures to dedicate herself to the spiritual life. In 1597, she founded the school of the canonesses of Notre Dame, dedicated to the free education of young girls.
January 10: Saint William
On January 10, we celebrate Saint William, or Guillemette for a girl. The name William is derived from the Germanic name Willhelm which means “will” and “helmet”. It refers to Saint William, bishop of Bourges in the 12th century. He was canonized in 1218, nine years after his death, following a series of miracles observed in his presence during his lifetime and at his tomb after his death.
Other names celebrated on January 10 include William, Willy, Mine, Minia, Minie, Minna, Minnie.
January 11: Saint Paulin
On January 11, we celebrate Saint Paulin, and its variations Pauline, Paulinien, Paulina, Paolina, Paolino. This name is a derivative of the Latin name Paulinus which literally means “small”. It refers to Saint Paulin, advisor to Charlemagne and patriarch of Aquileia who was recognized and respected for his great wisdom.
Two other names are celebrated on January 11: Hortense, Hygin.
January 12: Saint Tatiana
On January 12, we celebrate Saint Tatiana and its variants Talna, Tanagra, Tanaïs, Tania, Tanya, Tany, Tatien, Tatienne, Tiziana, Tyana, Tiana. The name Tatiana is derived from Tatius, the name of the legendary king of the Sabines. It refers to Saint Tatiana, a martyr of Rome in the mid-3rd century.
Other names celebrated on January 12 include Aelred, Elred, Césarie, Césarine, Césaria, Cesaria.
January 13: Saint Yvette
On January 13, we celebrate Saint Yvette and its variant Yvonne. The name Yvette comes from the Germanic name Yvo. It is composed of the element “iv” representing the yew tree. It refers to Saint Yvette, a recluse at Huy who dedicated herself to lepers.
Other names celebrated on January 13 include Hilaire, Hilarie, Hilario, Hilarion, Hilarius, Hilary, Hillary, Hillery, Ilaria, Ilario, Erwana.
January 14: Saint Nino
On January 14, we celebrate Saint Nino, along with its variants Ninette, Nina, and Ninon for a girl. The name Nino is a Latin name meaning “little boy” in Spanish. It refers to Saint Nina (or Nino, or Ninon) who, according to legend, performed miraculous healings. She converted the Queen Nana of Georgia to Christianity after healing her, then the king, and finally the entire country.
The name Odoric is also celebrated on January 14.
January 15: Saint Rémi
On January 15, we celebrate Saint Rémi, and its variants: Rémo, Rémy, Rimma. The name Rémi comes from the Latin remigius meaning “oarsman”, often confused with remedius meaning “remedy”. It refers to Saint Rémi who lived in the 6th century. He celebrated the baptism of Clovis and was the seventh bishop of Reims. In 496, he baptized 3000 Franks in one day, including Clovis, the king of the Franks.
Other names are also honored on January 15: Rachel, Rachild, Racilia, Raquel, Ita, Itta.
January 16: Saint Marcel
On January 16, we celebrate Saint Marcel and its variants Marcellin, Marcello, Marcelo, Marcellino, Marcelino, Marcelito. The name Marcel is derived from the Latin marcus which can be related to the Greek Martikos. This latter means “dedicated to the god Mars”. It refers to Saint Marcel, Pope in the early 4th century, who committed to reorganizing his Church, provoking the animosity of some Christians. They managed to convince the emperor to condemn him. He died as a slave of his own church.
Other names celebrated on January 16 include Bérard, Bérarde, Bérardine, Othon, Otacilia, Othello, Ottfried, Otto, Otton.
January 17: Saint Roseline
On January 17, we celebrate Saint Roseline and its variants Roselyne, Rosalind, Rosalinda, Rosalynd, Roselyne. Roseline comes from “rosa” meaning “rose” in Latin, and “lin” referring to the flax plant. It refers to Saint Rose of Lima, patron saint of Latin America. She was a Dominican nun, often represented by flowers.
Other names are highlighted on January 17: Théodose, Théodosa, Teodosa, Yolaine.
January 18: Saint Prisca
On January 18, we celebrate Saint Prisca, and its variants Précilla, Prescillia, Prisce, Prisciane, Priscilla, Priscillia. The feminine name Prisca is an abbreviation of Priscilla and is of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word “priscus”, which means “ancient”. It refers to Saint Prisca, or Priscilla, who lived in the 1st century in Italy. She died a martyr.
That day, it is also the feast of Faustine.
January 19: Saint Marius
On January 19, we celebrate Saint Marius and Mario. The name Marius is derived from the Latin terms “marinus” and “mare” which mean “maritime” and “sea” respectively. It refers to Saint Maris, a Christian martyr of the 3rd century. Saint Maris was a doctor from Persia. He decided to go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem with his family after distributing his wealth to the poor. In Rome, Saint Maris treated persecuted Christians and caught the attention of the judge Muscianus who had his entire family tortured, but they did not recant. The relics of Maris and his family are venerated at the Abbey of Prüm in Germany.
Other names celebrated on January 19 include Pia, Marthe, Marta, Martha.
January 20: Saint Fabian
On January 20, we celebrate Saint Fabian and its variants Fabi, Fabia, Fabian, Fabiana, Fabiano, Fabienne, Fabio, Fabiola, Fabiolo, Fava, Favian, Faviano, Faviana. The name Fabian is derived from Fabius, meaning “people of the Fabia”, which is the name of an important Roman family in antiquity. It refers to Saint Fabian, the 20th pope. He organized the administration of the Church and governed for 14 years. His end was tragic as he was tortured and then beheaded during the violent persecution of Decius that took place in the 3rd century and targeted Christians in particular.
Other names celebrated on January 20 include Sébastien, Bast, Bastian, Bastiane, Bastiat, Bastien, Bastienne, Donosti, Donoxti, Sébastian, Sebastiana, Sébastiane, Sébastienne, Vastianu.
January 21: Saint Agnes
On January 21, we celebrate Saint Agnes and its variants Agnesa, Agnese, Agnieszka, Inès, Nest, Nesta. The name Agnès comes from the Greek word agnê which means “pure”, “chaste”, or “sacred”. It refers to Saint Agnes (or Agnes of Rome), a Roman Christian born in 290 in Rome, martyred at the age of 12 for rejecting the advances of the son of the Roman prefect. She thus became the most famous of all the Saint Agneses by dying a virgin and martyr in 303. For the Church, Saint Agnes thus became a symbol of chastity.
Other names celebrated on January 21 include Aina, Aïssa, Ania.
January 22: Saint Vincent
On January 22, we celebrate Saint Vincent, and its variants Bixente, Vicente, Vince, Vincente, Vincenzo. The name Vincent is derived from the Latin verb vicere which means “to conquer”. It refers to Saint Vincent, deacon of Saragossa, who died a martyr in Valencia in the 4th century. He faced the cruel tortures of his torturer, laughing and singing. Saint Vincent is the patron saint of tavern keepers, vintners, and vinegar makers.
It is also the feast day for Barnard, Blésille, Laura, Laora, Lora, Lee, Timothée, Tim, Timea, Timeo, Timmy.
January 23: Saint Emérentienne
On January 23, we celebrate Saint Emérentienne and its variants, Emerance, Émerancienne, Émerence. The name Emérentienne comes from the Latin emereo which means “to deserve”. It refers to Saint Emérentienne, “milk sister” of Saint Agnes, who died a martyr and was stoned at her grave.
Other names celebrated on January 23 include Ildefonse, Ildefonso, Alonzo, Alfonso.
January 24: Saint Francis
On January 24, we celebrate Saint Francis and its variants Francès, Francesco, Francis, Francisco, Franck, Franckie, Francky, Franco, Frank, Frantz, Franz. The name François is derived from the Latin francus which means “free man”. It refers to Saint Francis of Assisi who founded the Order of Friars Minor (the Franciscans) in 1210. January 24 also honors Saint Francis de Sales, the patron saint of journalists.
Other names are also celebrated on January 24: Babylas, Babel.
January 25: Saint Ananias
On January 25, we celebrate Saint Ananias. The name Ananias is Hebrew and means “Yahweh has had mercy”. It refers to Saint Ananias, a disciple of the Lord who baptized Paul in Damascus after his Conversion. He died a martyr.
Other names celebrated on January 25 include Apollos, Artémas, Artème, Artemis, Artémia, Artemie.
January 26
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