I was going to use the name Veronica because I was born on what used to be St. Veronica's feast day. Then I found the church had sort of dropped her from the list of saints because there was no proof she ever existed, biblical or otherwise. So I picked the name Victoria, since it was close to Veronica. Then I found out there wasn't any St. Victoria, but it was too late.Oh well. Guess we'll have to credit St. Victor.
Back in those days, you had to pick the name of saints, but I understand that's no longer the case, at least for baptisms.
There is very little known about St. Victoria. With her sister Anatolia, she refused importunate suitors. Both were imprisoned and starved by their suitors but persisted in refusing marriage. Anatolia was converted to Christianity and converted many in Picenum before being denounced for her faith, for which she was tortured and executed at Thora on Lake Velino in Italy. When Victoria refused to sacrifice to pagan gods, she too was executed, perhaps at Tribulano. The guard was converted by their example and was also martyred. Their whole story is probably a pious myth, though they did actually live. Feast day is December 23rd.
from Catholic.org
Instead, I chose Magdalene - the first woman to see Christ after He rose from the dead. Magdalene is also my godmother's name.
That's the exact same process that we went through in naming our second daughter! I also thougtht we'd have to credit St. Victor until I read the post below.
In retrospect, I wish we had chosen Veronica because I love the Shroud and I love the sound of the name. But Victoria is beautiful too.
St. Victoria Feastday: December 23
There is very little known about St. Victoria. With her sister Anatolia, she refused importunate suitors. Both were imprisoned and starved by their suitors but persisted in refusing marriage. Anatolia was converted to Christianity and converted many in Picenum before being denounced for her faith, for which she was tortured and executed at Thora on Lake Velino in Italy. When Victoria refused to sacrifice to pagan gods, she too was executed, perhaps at Tribulano. The guard was converted by their example and was also martyred. Their whole story is probably a pious myth, though they did actually live. Feast day is December 23rd.
Thanks! You made my day!