What’s in a Name?

Bible scholars believe names given to Biblical persons at birth reflect a “fact.” For instance, the name Jesus means “God saves.”

When a Biblical person is called by a new name, the new name represents a “promise” and an expression of a new creation. Look up the following Biblical passages: Isaiah 62: Corinthians 5:17

The new name (promise) is preceded by a life changing event and signifies a new identity.

Let’s take a look at 5 Bible characters who underwent name changes and the significance of these name changes.

Abram Is he from the Old or New Testament? Do you know what new name was given to him? Look up the following Biblical passage: Genesis 17:1-8

Abram is from the Old Testament. God established a covenant with Abram and his descendants. Abram’s name was changed to Abraham. Abraham “father of many”

Sarai Is she from the Old or New Testament? Do you know what new name was given to her? Look up the following Biblical passage: Genesis 17:15-19

Sarai is from the Old Testament. Sarai is the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. Sarai’s name was changed to Sarah. Sarah “princess”

Jacob Is he from the Old or New Testament? Do you know what new name was given to him? Look up the following Biblical passage: Genesis 32:23-33

Jacob is from the Old Testament. Jacob is the son of Isaac, has a twin brother named Esau, wrestles with an angel, and the twelve tribes of Israel are named for his sons. Jacob’s name was changed to Israel. Israel “triumphant with God”

Simon Is he from the Old or New Testament? Do you know what new name was given to him? Look up the following Biblical passages: John 1:35-42 Matthew 16:13-20

Simon is from the New Testament. Simon and his brother, Andrew, are among Jesus’ 12 Apostles. Simon’s name was changed to Peter. Peter “rock”

Saul Is he from the Old or New Testament? Do you know what new name was given to him? Look up the following Biblical passages: Acts 9:1-22 Acts 13:9-12

Saul is from the New Testament. Saul persecuted and killed early Christians before an extraordinary event led him to convert. Saul was called Paul after his conversion. Paul “humble”

After Confirmation you will have new life in Christ: you will be united more closely to God the gifts of the Holy Spirit will be increased in you you will have special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith through word and action Confirmation is a life changing event.

It is fitting, then, that you would take a new name as a confirmed member of the Catholic Church. This Confirmation name does not replace the name given to you by your parents at birth, but acknowledges your choice of a saintly patron. When writing your full Christian name after your Confirmation, you include: First name – Middle name – Confirmation name – Last name

It’s time for you to begin the process of choosing your Confirmation name! Return to the “Choosing My Confirmation Name” sheet and continue with Step 2.