Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 201.

YOUCAT Question n. 201 - What is the significance of receiving a name in Baptism?

(Youcat answer) Through the name that we receive in Baptism God tells us: “I have called you by name, you are mine” (Is 43:1).

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2156) The sacrament of Baptism is conferred "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Mt 28:19). In Baptism, the Lord's name sanctifies man, and the Christian receives his name in the Church. This can be the name of a saint, that is, of a disciple who has lived a life of exemplary fidelity to the Lord. The patron saint provides a model of charity; we are assured of his intercession. The "baptismal name" can also express a Christian mystery or Christian virtue. "Parents, sponsors, and the pastor are to see that a name is not given which is foreign to Christian sentiment" (CIC, Can. 855).

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) In Baptism a person is not dissolved into an anonymous divinity, but rather is affirmed precisely in his individuality. To be baptized by a name signifies that God knows me, he says Yes to me and accepts me forever in my unrepeatable uniqueness.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2165) In Baptism, the Christian receives his name in the Church. Parents, godparents, and the pastor are to see that he be given a Christian name. The patron saint provides a model of charity and the assurance of his prayer. (CCC 2158) God calls each one by name (Cf. Isa 43:1; Jn 10:3). Everyone's name is sacred. The name is the icon of the person. It demands respect as a sign of the dignity of the one who bears it.

(The next question is: Why should Christians choose the names of saints at Baptism?)