Find out how popular the first name Saint has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Saint by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Saint is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Saint being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,059 male babies and 22 female babies born with the name Saint.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 22 baby girls were named Saint in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Saint

The name Saint has its roots in the Latin word "sanctus," which means "holy" or "sacred." This name has a strong religious connotation and is often associated with individuals who have achieved a high level of spiritual enlightenment or have been recognized for their exceptional piety and devotion.

In the early days of Christianity, the term "saint" was used to refer to those who had been martyred for their faith or had lived exceptionally holy lives. As the religion spread, the concept of sainthood became more formalized, and the process of canonization was established to officially recognize these individuals.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Saint can be found in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Acts, which mentions a man named Saint Stephen, who is revered as the first Christian martyr. He was stoned to death for his beliefs around 34-35 AD.

Throughout history, numerous individuals have been bestowed with the name Saint, either as a reflection of their religious devotion or as a testament to their virtuous character. Among the most notable figures bearing this name are Saint Augustine (354-430 AD), a renowned philosopher and theologian whose works had a profound impact on the development of Western Christianity.

Another influential figure was Saint Francis of Assisi (1181-1226), the founder of the Franciscan Order and a prominent advocate for poverty and simplicity. His teachings and way of life inspired generations of followers and continue to resonate with many faithful individuals today.

In the realm of literature, one cannot overlook Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), a Dominican friar and philosopher whose seminal work, Summa Theologica, is considered a masterpiece of scholastic thought and has significantly shaped Catholic doctrine.

Moving forward in time, Saint Joan of Arc (1412-1431) stands out as a remarkable figure in French history. A peasant girl who claimed to have received visions from God, she played a pivotal role in the Hundred Years' War and was later canonized as a Catholic saint.

Lastly, Saint Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997), better known as Mother Teresa, deserves mention for her unwavering dedication to serving the poor and destitute. Her selfless acts of compassion and her tireless efforts to alleviate suffering earned her global recognition and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals who have carried the name Saint throughout history, each leaving an indelible mark on their respective fields and inspiring generations with their unwavering faith, courage, and commitment to spiritual enlightenment.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Saint was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Saint, please contact us.

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