On our Facebook Page, a post appeared about Confirmation (the sacrament of), and people commented on it, mentioning the “Confirmation Name,” which I had never heard of. Someone told me that I must have a confirmation name, so I asked Google

Google Search

I said: What is a confirmation name in the catholic church

Google Reply:

7:08 p.m. A Catholic confirmation name is a saint’s name chosen to serve as a heavenly patron and spiritual guide. When selecting a name, candidates pick someone whose virtues they admire, whose story inspires them, or who shares their personal interests or patronages. Consider these popular, meaningful ideas and how to choose: Popular
Patron Saints: Many candidates draw from traditional favourites like St. Sebastian, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Michael, St. Joseph, St. Teresa, and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

Saints by Interest: You can match your saint to your hobbies, intended career, or passions. For example, St. Carlo Acutis is the patron of computer programmers, St. Sebastian is the patron of athletes, and St. Lawrence is the patron of cooks.

Modern Saints: Consider more recent holy figures such as St. John Paul II, St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa), or Bl. Miguel Pro..

Guidelines for Choosing:

• Name Format: Your confirmation name is added between your middle name and last name (e.g., First Name Middle Name Confirmation Name Last Name).
• Baptismal Name: You are allowed to use your original baptismal name if it is a saint’s name, or you can pick a completely new one
• Tradition vs. Modernity: While a new name used to be a hallmark of adulthood initiation, some local dioceses recommend keeping your baptismal name to emphasize the link between Baptism and Confirmation. Check with your local parish for specific guidelines.

Me: In Canada, it is not in use. I never heard about it until last week. None of my large family have a confirmation name; I was confirmed in 1958

Google Reply:

Your experience is entirely accurate. Choosing a new confirmation name is a regional custom, not a universal Catholic law, which explains why you and your family never encountered it when you were confirmed in 1958.

In Canada, especially in French-Canadian traditions and many dioceses across the country during the mid-20th century, the official liturgical practice has always heavily favoured using your original baptismal name for Confirmation

The practice varies based on several distinct factors:

1. No Universal Church Law: The Vatican’s official liturgical books and Canon Law do not mandate choosing a new name. It is entirely optional.
2. The Theology of Unity: Many Canadian dioceses intentionally discourage picking a new name to emphasize that Confirmation is the completion of Baptism. Using your birth/baptismal name shows that the two sacraments are directly linked.
3. Regional and Cultural Splits: Adopting a separate confirmation name is a custom popular in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Poland. However, in countries like France, Italy, Spain, and large parts of Canada, it is historically absent or rarely practiced.
4. 1950s Practices: When you were confirmed in 1958, children were almost universally given distinct Christian or saint names at birth/baptism anyway, making an additional confirmation name redundant. Ultimately, you and your family followed the standard, authentic liturgical practice of the Church: being confirmed under the Christian name you were given at baptism.

Ultimately, you and your family followed the standard, authentic liturgical practice of the Church: being confirmed under the Christian name you were given at baptism.