History and Culture
Should Converts Take New Names?
When Orthodoxy arrives in a new country, it is a “foreign” faith. One important way the Church plants roots in a people’s hearts is by sharing the names of our saints.
When I served as our parish catechist, and it came time for the catechumens to choose a patron saint, I always gave the same advice: We don’t choose our patron saint. Our patron saint chooses us.
If there’s an Orthodox saint with the same name your parents gave you, there’s a good chance that saint picked you. And you might be surprised just how many “Western” names are shared by pre-schism saints. If your name is Robert, consider St. Robert of Salzburg. If your name is Kevin, take a look at St. Kevin of Glendalough. If your name is Willam, there’s St. William of Orange.
I do have a lot of respect for the folks who decide to keep their old name. To me, it shows maturity.
Of course, many Westerners have names with no corresponding Orthodox saint. What if you’re called Tyler, or Riley, or Parker? Priests often suggest that you consider the saint on whose feast-day you were born. So, if your birthday is January 7, you could choose St. John the Baptist. If it’s July 20, consider St. Maria of Paris.
