requested that I review her brand new, hot off the press,
The Catholic Baby Name Book,
published by Ave Maria Press.
To say I am honored is an understatement.

published by Ave Maria Press.
To say I am honored is an understatement.
I have called you by name and you are mine.
~ Isaiah 43:1
So
begins the brilliantly researched and thorough reference
which is sure to become well loved and dog-eared
as it graces the
shelves of many an expectant family…
And many a family who will enjoy being
enlightened
by the roots of their children’s names.
Mrs MacArthur's in-depth survey of saints’ biographical information
at 526 pages and over
10,000 names
is intriguing and reads like no other baby name book you have ever
perused.
This is readily apparent as one initially becomes engrossed
in the engaging foreword by Lisa Hendey,
of Catholic Mom,
which includes a story of her website development
as well as thankfulness for the many friends she has gathered along the way
AND her personal anecdotes relative to naming.
These thoughts flow beautifully, so much so,
that one may feel as if she is sitting at her kitchen table chatting with friends,
into Mrs
MacArthur’s “Introduction,”
followed by “How to Use
this Book,”
(a section I positively love for its comprehensive explanation)
and eventually to the masterfully compiled list of Catholic
names,
separated by section into gender.
You will be compelled to keep
those pages turning
from the boys’ listings of Aaren ~
Zygysundo
to the girls’ Aami ~ Zytka,
as well as the historical
information
within the Appendices as to
Recently Canonized Saints,
Top 100 Names ( of 2011) and
Most Popular
Catholic Names By Decade ( 1960s to 2000s).
Let me give you a glimpse into the listing for "Veronica,"
my favorite saint (and my confirmation name),
so that you can determine
just how intriguing the collection is:
Veronica
Saint
(the name may be that of a saint or virtue or come from the Old or New Testament
Latin
(the language of the name's origin)
true image
(the meaning)
(many variations of the name are provided here
and for "Veronica," there are 33!)
St. Veronica,
St Veronica Giuliani
(saints with this name)
St Veronica (1st century)
was a woman from Jerusalem who wiped the face of Jesus
as He carried the cross on his way to be crucified.
The cloth was imprinted with Jesus's face.
According to legend,
Veronica later used the cloth to cure
Emperor Tiberius of an illness.
Her act of kindness toward Jesus
is remembered in the Stations of the Cross.
(Commentary about the life of the most prominent saint with this name)
Mrs Hendey’s and Mrs MacArthur’s
styles are enchanting
…
So much so that a reader may feel as if she knows them forever.
I
am, in fact, honored to count them among my friends,
although we have not met ( yet) face to face.
Yes, I know well the connection which is referenced in the foreword.
I know beyond a doubt that many who read this lovely book will feel the same,
as well as new friends who will gather through this lovely collection.
Friends, thank you for stopping in today for a peek into
I will be back tomorrow with photos
as my millennium baby
as my millennium baby
becomes a teen !
Have a lovely day!
I hope today finds you peaceful and happy...
Until next time,
~Chris
Great post, the origins of name is so interesting! I have a friend named Veronica, it's a beautiful name with beautiful roots. :) Thanks for the post friend!
ReplyDeleteMucho love out to you today & always!
Denice
Thanks, friend!
DeleteI appreciate the kind words and I that you stopped in to say HI!
xoxoxoxoxox
This sounds like a great book Chris! Last year as a goodbye gift to my class, I researched their Christian origin. Just as you referenced St. Veronica, I included information about their name on a 5X7 card and framed it. I didn't do it again this year because the names were challenging. God bless.
ReplyDeleteI also did find her book in my library network system. Hopefully it'll be ordered by more libraries :)
What a terrific idea, Noreen!! Love that!
DeleteHow great that the CBN Book is in your lib system....I am checking now to see if county wide system ordered it as well!
Thanks for stopping in, Noreen!
I love researching names and learning the history behind them. This sounds like a fabulous book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your fabulous review with us!
Create With Joy
http://create-with-joy.com
Thanks so much, friend!
DeleteYes, it really is quite comprehensive and a fun red too!
I appreciate your comment!