You Can’t Call It “It”!

From Anne to Zoticus, this week’s names span the range from the plainest of plain to the zany and daring.  Most of these wouldn’t raise an eyebrow in any given kindergarten.  Well Zoticus might; or Rasyphus.  I still believe someone is up for the adventure.  Myself, I’ll stick to Valentina and Anne. 

JULY 21

Zoticus- Greek, “full of life.” Bishop of Comana, Italy who resisted heretics and was persecuted for his beliefs under the reign of Septimius Severus.  This might make a great addition to my latest name obsession, the Jolie-Pitt clan, or to that of another adventurous baby namer. 

JULY 22

Mary Magdalene- Mary- various possible meanings, including “bitter”, “sea”, and “beloved child.”  The meaning of Magdalene is more straightforward, and suggests simply “from Magdala.”  A notorious sinner who redeemed herself through her faith.  As the story goes, when Christ rose from the dead, he showed himself first to her.  Both Mary and Magdalene/Magdalena are today underused classic choices, but together they are still perhaps too much of a stigma.  

JULY 23

Rasyphus and Ravennus- Martyrs who fled Britain during the Saxon invasion, only to arrive in Gaul to be persecuted by the Goths.  Their relics are preserved in the Cathedral of Bayeux. Though I have not yet ascertained the meaning of either of these names, the feminine form Ravenna, would make a shimmeringly lovely place name choice for a young girl.  

JULY 24

Declan- One suggestion is that this name means “full of goodness”, but the meaning may be lost.  Declan preceded St. Patrick in Ireland, and is credited with performing many miracles there.  Green pasture for those Irish who wish to move beyond Dylan and Connor.   

JULY 25

Thea & Valentina- Thea means “of God”, Valentina “strong, valiant.” Virgin martyrs burned to death in Palestine under the reign of Emporer Galerius.  Great names, though.  

JULY 26

Anne & Joachim- Anne means “grace”, Joachim suggests “raised by Yahweh.”  The traditional names ascribed to the parents of The Virgin Mary, though no scripture can attest as to what their actual names were.  Anne is ever classic, and perhaps due for a comeback in the first name slot.   Joaquin is probably easier for English-speakers to pronounce than Joachim, and that is saying a lot!  Still, they’re both pretty swoon-worthy in my book.  

JULY 27

Maurus- Roman, “dark-skinned.”  Born in Bethlehem, he was sent to Bisceglia, Italy by St. Peter, and became the first bishop of the region there.   Maurus would be a lovely alternative to Marcus, should you seek one.  It becomes even more peppy when you finish it with an “O”, and in Mauro.

Above:  ”Mary Magdalene”, by Perugio