I’m thrilled to share with you the result of nearly ten years of research and writing: my book of Marian names!

Catholic Baby Names for Girls and Boys: Over 250 Ways to Honor Our Lady (Marian Press, 2018) is available at ShopMercy.org and Amazon (and possibly at your local library and Catholic book store, including mine)!

With names ranging from the familiar to the unexpected and spanning cultures and languages, it’s the perfect gift for anyone looking for a meaningful, faith-filled name, from expectant parents to those receiving Confirmation to those taking a religious name to name enthusiasts of all kinds.

I’m so humbled and honored that Marian Press published the book, as it’s the publishing arm of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, who run the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA and are the authentic promoters of the message of the Divine Mercy. Marian Press has published books by many notable Catholic authors, including Fr. Gaitley, Fr. Calloway, Mark Miravalle, and Vinny Flynn, as well as the English and Spanish versions of St. Faustina’s Diary.

Marian Press offers this info about my book:

“Noted blogger and Catholic baby name expert Katherine Morna Towne has created a useful, informative, and illuminating guide to Catholic names inspired by Marian doctrine, devotions, and apparitions. This lovely and accessible guide is a must-have for all families and an interesting window into the history of our faith. Perfect for all Catholic couples welcoming children (and even for teens trying to decide on a Confirmation name)!” (from the Marian Helper magazine+catalog)

“Everyone knows that the name “Mary” honors our Blessed Mother but did you know that Beatrix, Clementine, and Mercedes also honor her? And did you know that you can name your son in honor of the Virgin Mary? David, Miles, and Tristan are just a few of the many Marian names that are perfect for boys! In Catholic Baby Names for Girls and Boys: 250 Ways to Honor Our Lady, Katherine Morna Towne has turned her ardent faith and passion for the fascinating history behind the origin of names into required reading for all Catholic couples welcoming children and even teens trying to decide on a Confirmation name! This useful, informative and illuminating guide to Catholic names is must have for all families and an interesting window into the history of our faith.” (from the publisher’s web site, ShopMercy.org)

My book has received several wonderful endorsements from both the name world and the Catholic internet (check them out!), and several great reviews, including those left on Amazon and:

How to Pick a Name to Honor the Blessed Virgin Mary by Theresa Williams at Epic Pew

On Barb’s Bookshelf: Catholic Baby Names for Girls and Boys by Barb Szyszkiewicz at CatholicMom.com

Name Your Baby … the Catholic Way by Katie Warner at National Catholic Register

Naming Names by Lisa Lawmaster Hess at The Porch Swing Chronicles

Give Your Baby a Name in Honor of Our Lady by Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur at Spiritual Woman (it also appeared at Today’s Catholic Homeschooling)

“Reading for the Soul” by Daria Sockey at Catholic Digest (September 2018):