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February is filled with days dedicated to Saints with historically rich names such as Eugenie, Valentine, Gabin, and Honorine. Explore their meanings and you might just find a name that resonates with family tradition.
Which names are celebrated in February? Each day, Christian tradition honors a Saint or blessed individual who made their mark in unique ways. The calendar also lists name variations and other names linked to the same date. For instance, February 5 honors Saint Agatha, as well as Agatha and Agda. Originally from Greek, the name Agatha means “courageous” or “good”. With 29 days this year, February invites you to celebrate a name dear to someone you know. It’s the perfect opportunity to jot it down and send your best wishes! Here are the names of Saints celebrated in February, their origins, and variations worth discovering.
February 1: Saint Ella
On February 1, we celebrate Saint Ella and Ellie. Ella is an Irish name, thought to be a diminutive of a compound name starting with the Germanic element ali-, meaning “foreign.” In Greek, Ella means “sunshine.” She is remembered as Saint Ella, a widow who founded and became the first abbess of a monastery. Ella of Laycock was the wife of William Longespée and thus the sister-in-law of Richard the Lionheart. She became a widow in 1226 and died in 1261.
Other names celebrated on February 1 include Viridiana, Verdiane, Véridiane, and Véridienne.
February 2: Saint Theophane
On February 2, we honor Saint Theophane, along with variations such as Theophanée, Theophania, and Theophanie. The name Theophane derives from ancient Greek and means “God revealed.” He is the namesake of Saint Theophane Vénard who discovered his calling in the 19th Century by reading about a missionary priest. He met his martyrdom in Tonkin, Vietnam.
February 3: Saint Blaise
February 3 is dedicated to Saint Blaise and his variations like Blaisian, Blaisiane, Blasioun, and Bleiz. The name Blaise comes from the Latin adjective blaesus, meaning “stuttering.” It refers to Saint Blaise, a doctor who became a bishop of Sebaste in the early 4th century. Before his martyrdom, he devoted his life to healing both humans and animals. This day also celebrates Claudine, Claudina, and Claudinette.
February 4: Saint Veronica
On February 4, Saint Veronica is honored, along with her variants Veronica and Veronika. The name Veronica is likely of Greek origin, but also related to the Latin terms vera icon, meaning “true image.” It refers to Saint Veronica, the patron saint of laundry workers and photographers, who braved a hostile crowd to wipe Jesus’ face during his Passion, reportedly capturing the Holy Face, an impression of Christ’s visage, on her cloth. This day also celebrates Vanessa and Bérénice.
February 5: Saint Agatha
February 5 marks the celebration of Saint Agatha, and her variations Agatha and Agda. The French name Agathe comes from the Greek Agathê, related to the adjective agathos, meaning “good” or “brave.” It references Saint Agatha of Catania or Agatha of Sicily, a martyr in the 3rd century. The proconsul of Sicily, Quintianus, ordered that Agatha’s breasts be cut off because she refused to marry him. She died from further wounds in 251. Legend has it that shortly after her death, an earthquake occurred and a year later, Mount Etna erupted.
Additional names commemorated on February 5 include Avit, Avite, Avita, and Avitte.
February 6: Saint Gaston
February 6 celebrates Saint Gaston and its variants Gastoune and Gastounet. The name Gaston derives from the Germanic gast, meaning “guest.” It refers to Saint Vaast, the bishop of Arras in the 6th century and catechist to King Clovis I who converted to Christianity at his wife Clotilde’s behest. Saint Vaast is the patron saint of the city of Arras and hatmakers, often depicted with a wolf and a bear. In the past, he was invoked for relief from migraines and mouth ulcers.
This day also honors Dorothée, Dorothéa, Dorothy, Dosithée, and others.
February 7: Saint Eugenie
On February 7, Saint Eugenie is celebrated, along with variations Eugenia, Gennie, and Gena. The name Eugenie is related to the Greek term eugenês, meaning “well-born.” It refers to Saint Eugenie, founder of the Helpers of the Souls in Purgatory, aimed at assisting the underprivileged and “aiding any good cause whatsoever.”
Other names celebrated on February 7 include Audren and Audran.
February 8: Saint Jacqueline
February 8 honors Saint Jacqueline and her variations Jacotte, Jacquette, Jacquine, and Jacquy. The name Jacqueline, the feminine form of Jacques, comes from the Hebrew ya’aqob meaning “may God protect.” It refers to Saint Jacqueline of Septisoles, born in Rome in 1192. She was a friend of Saint Francis of Assisi, whom she hosted in her Roman palace and for whom she prepared almond cream, now known as frangipane. Additionally, Joséphine and its variations are celebrated on this date.
February 9: Saint Apolline
February 9 is the feast day of Saint Apolline and her variations Apollina, Apolina, Apollonia, Apollonie, Apollonide, Pollonie. The name Apolline is derived from the Greek apollonia, which pertains to the god Apollo. It refers to Saint Apolline, a martyr in Alexandria in the 3rd century during the violent persecution by Decius. After steadfastly refusing to renounce her faith, she endured brutal tortures before being thrown into a fire.
Other names celebrated on February 9 include Ansbert, Ansberte, Maron, Maroun, and others.
February 10: Saint Arnaud
On February 10, we celebrate Saint Arnaud and its variants Arnaldo, Arnauld, Arnault, and others. The name Arnaud originates from the Germanic Arnwald. “Arn” means “eagle,” and “walden” means “to command” or “to rule,” evoking the image of the majestic bird of prey, a symbol of freedom, aggression, and power. It refers to Saint Arnaud Cataneo, an abbot at the Benedictine monastery of Sainte-Justine in the 13th century. His religious zeal led to persecution by the local lord, Ezzelino, a ruthless tyrant. Captured, Arnaud was imprisoned and succumbed to maltreatment in 1255.
This day also celebrates Naudin, Naud, and Naudet.
February 11: Saint Heloise
February 11 marks the celebration of Saint Heloise and Eloise. The name Heloise is derived from the Germanic Hailwidis, composed of hail- and -wid, meaning “robust” and “wood.” It refers to Saint Blessed Heloise, a Benedictine hermit who died around 1066. Other names celebrated on February 11 include Theodora, Dora, Doria, Doriane, and others.
February 12: Saint Ombeline
On February 12, Saint Ombeline is celebrated, along with variations Hombeline and Humbeline. The name Ombeline originally comes from the Latin umbria, meaning “shadow.” It refers to Saint Ombeline, the sister of Saint Bernard. While her five brothers followed Bernard to the Cîteaux Abbey, Ombeline married a wealthy lord of Burgundy and led a life of pleasure and missteps. Her brothers’ rejection prompted her to reevaluate her life, leading her to join the Cistercian sisters. She died in 1135.
Additional names honored on February 12 include Félix, Victoire, and their variations.
February 13: Saint Beatrice
February 13 is dedicated to Saint Beatrice and her variations Beatrix, Beatrice, Beatricia, and others. Beatrice consists of the Latin prefix Beatus, meaning “blessed” or “fortunate,” and a suffix, together meaning “she who brings happiness.” It refers to Saint Beatrice, who died in the early 14th century at the Chartreuse d’Eymeu, which she had constructed and where she lived in poverty and deprivation until her death.
This day also honors Jourdain, Jordan, Giordano, and Sava.
February 14: Saint Valentine
On February 14, we celebrate Saint Valentine, or Valentine for a girl. In Latin, valens means “strong,” “robust,” and “vigorous.” The term valentinus, also related to the name Valentine, was used to denote people from Valencia. It refers to Saint Valentine, a bishop of Terni in Italy in the 3rd century. He was accused of secretly marrying young couples. He was tortured and then beheaded by order of Emperor Claudius II Gothicus for this act.
Other names celebrated on February 14 include Cyril, Ciryl, Cyril, Cyrille, Cyriel, and others.
February 15: Saint Claude
February 15 celebrates Saint Claude and its variations Claudel, Claudio, Claudius, Claudette, and others. The name Claude is derived from the Latin Claudius and is related to the Latin adjective claudus, meaning “lame.” It is a unisex name. It refers to Saint Claude, a spiritual advisor to Saint Margaret and later a missionary in England, who was banished due to slander spread against him.
In addition to Claude, other names celebrated on February 15 include Faustin, Georgette, Georgia, and others.
February 16: Saint Julienne
On February 16, Saint Julienne is celebrated, along with variations Giliane, Gilianne, and others. The name Julienne comes from the Latin Julius, the name of a prominent Roman family. It refers to Saint Julienne of Nicomedia, a virgin and martyr who died in the 4th century in Asia Minor.
Other names celebrated on February 16 include Lucile, Lucille, Pamphile, Pamela.
February 17: Saint Alexis
February 17 marks the celebration of Saint Alexis and its variations Alexi, Alessio, Alexian, and others. Alexis comes from the Greek word “alexein,” meaning “to repel” or “to protect.” It refers to Saint Alexis Falconieri, known for his humility. Born in 1200 in Florence, he grew up in a family where charity was instilled in him. Later, Alexis joined a brotherhood entirely dedicated to the Virgin Mary and helped to found the Order of the Servites of Mary with six other companions. It is said that he had a vision of the Virgin Mary on August 15, 1233. Saint Alexis retired later in life to the Abbey of Monte Senario, where he died on February 17, 1310, at the age of 110.
Other names honored on February 17 include Fintan, Flavien, Flavienne, and Théodule.
February 18: Saint Bernadette
On February 18, we celebrate Saint Bernadette and her variations Bernadetta, Bernardita, and Nadette. The name Bernadette is formed from the Germanic term ber-, meaning “bear.” It refers to Saint Bernadette who claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary in Lourdes in 1858 while gathering wood. This site later became a major pilgrimage destination for Catholics. Saint Bernadette Soubirous led a humble life with the Sisters of Charity of Nevers.
Other names celebrated on February 18 include Jean-Pierre and Riwan.
February 19: Saint Gabin
On February 19, Saint Gabin is celebrated along with its variations Gabia, Gabien, and others. The Latin name Gabinus, which gave rise to the name Gabin, is a derivative of Gabii, a town in Latium, and was used to designate people from that area. It refers to Saint Gabin, a Roman priest of the 3rd century who died as a martyr in 286.
Other names commemorated on February 19 include Philothea and Quodvultdeus.
February 20: Saint Aimee
February 20 celebrates Saint Aimee, along with its variations Aimeline, Aimelyne, Amée, and Amy. The name Aimee is inspired by the Latin verb amare, meaning “to love,” and also by amatus, meaning “who is loved.” It refers to Saint Aimee of Assisi, a Christian nun and niece of Saint Clare of Assisi. Aimee entered a convent in 1213 and died of dropsy in 1252.
Other names celebrated on February 20 include Aziza, Cara, Darlene, Elita, Esme, Kalila, Maitena, Nayeli, and Electa.
February 21: Saint Peter Damian
On February 21, Saint Peter Damian is celebrated. He is referred to as Saint Peter Damian, a confessor and Doctor of the Church who died in 1072.
Other names celebrated on February 21 include Pepin, Pepina, Pepino, and Peppino.
February 22: Saint Isabelle
February 22 honors Saint Isabelle and her variations Isabeau, Isabel, Isabela, Isolde, Iseline, Isabèle, Isabella, Ysabelle, Ysabela, Ysabella, Ysabeau, Isa, and Ysa. The name Isabelle is of Hebrew origin, the Spanish translation of Elizabeth, which means “my God” (Eli) and “oath” (Sheva), or “God is an oath.” It refers to Saint Isabelle, sister of King Saint Louis, who was a Clarisse and led an austere life near the Longchamp convent she had built in Paris.
Other names celebrated on February 22 include Papias and Telesphorus.
February 23: Saint Lazarus
On February 23, Saint Lazarus is honored, along with variations Lazar, Lazard, Lazaro, Lazarre, Lazarus, Lazhar, Eleazar, Lazarette, and Lazarine. The name Lazarus comes from the Hebrew el’azar, meaning “God has helped.” It refers to Saint Lazarus of Bethany, a friend of Jesus, brother of Martha and Mary, and the first resurrected according to the evangelical tradition. Several other names are celebrated on February 23: Serene, Serena, Milburga, Polycarp.
February 24: Saint Modest
February 24 celebrates Saint Modest, or Modestine for a girl. The name Modest comes from the Latin word “modus,” meaning “measure.” It refers to Saint Modest, bishop of Trier and Confessor. This day also celebrates Jean-Baptiste, Baptistin, and Flavien.
February 25: Saint Nestor
On February 25, Saint Nestor is celebrated, along with its variations Nestoria, Nestorine. Nestor is a name of Greek origin, meaning “he who returns to the country.” It refers to Nestor, the king of Pylos in Greek mythology. He is the youngest son of Neleus and Chloris. Hercules slaughters his entire family, and Nestor is the only survivor. He is portrayed as a wise and just warrior.
This day also honors Romeo, Romee, Adeltrude, Guerlain, and Guerland.
February 26: Saint Alexander
February 26 marks the celebration of Saint Alexander and its variations Alec, Aleck, Alessandro, Alexander, Alick, Alistair, Alister, Sacha, Alexandra, Alejandra, Alessandra, Alexandrie, Alexandrina. The name Alexander comes from the Greek words “alexein,” meaning “to repel,” and “andros,” meaning “man.” Alexander thus signifies “to repel the enemy.” It refers to Saint Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria, who died in 326.
Other names celebrated on February 26 include Porphy
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