Saints' Names and Their Feast Days

The Catholic tradition of naming children after saints remains influential in French culture. Each saint's day (fête) is celebrated, creating a second special day for name bearers.

Major Saints' Names and Feast Days

Female Saints:

- Sainte Anne (July 26): Mother of Mary, protector of mothers - Name meaning: "Grace" - Variations: Anna, Annette, Annie, Anouk

- Sainte Claire (August 11): Founder of Poor Clares - Name meaning: "Clear, bright" - Variations: Clara, Clarisse, Clairette

- Sainte Thérèse (October 1): Thérèse of Lisieux, "Little Flower" - Name meaning: "Harvester" - Variations: Teresa, Tessa, Thérésa

- Sainte Geneviève (January 3): Patron saint of Paris - Name meaning: "Woman of the race" - Variations: Ginette, Gigi (familiar)

Male Saints:

- Saint Martin (November 11): Patron of France - Name meaning: "Dedicated to Mars" - Cultural note: Martin of Tours shared his cloak with a beggar

- Saint Denis (October 9): First bishop of Paris - Name meaning: "Follower of Dionysus" - Variations: Denys, Dennis

- Saint Antoine (June 13): Anthony of Padua - Name meaning: "Priceless" - Variations: Antonin, Toine (familiar)

- Saint Nicolas (December 6): Inspiration for Père Noël - Name meaning: "Victory of the people" - Variations: Colin, Nico, Nicolas