Finding the patron saint medal by name

Giving the medal of the patron saint whose name the child bears is one of the oldest traditions of Catholic baptism: each Christian name refers to a saint, celebrated on a set day of the calendar, whose life or legend carries a meaning that can be passed on to the child. This guide presents the patron saints in our collection, their feast day, their story and the names they correspond to.

The patron saint of each name at a glance

Saint Christopher, patron of travellers

According to tradition, Christopher was a giant who helped travellers cross a dangerous river. One night he carried on his shoulders a child who grew heavier with every step: it was Christ, bearing the weight of the world. He has since been the patron of travellers, and one of the most given medals, christening or not, to anyone setting off on a journey or passing their driving test. Celebrated on 25 July, 21 August in the French calendar. We offer two designs: the kneeling Saint Christopher in the water (gold, mother-of-pearl and silver) and a second Saint Christopher, facing us, holding his staff in both hands.

Saint Michael, the protecting archangel

The archangel slaying the dragon, Michael is the leader of the heavenly armies, the patron of soldiers and one of the protectors of France. His name means in Hebrew "Who is like God?", Quis ut Deus, the cry attributed to him in his fight against evil. Made famous in France by Mont-Saint-Michel, he is celebrated on 29 September with the archangels Gabriel and Raphael. Two designs: the Saint Michael with the shield engraved QUIS UT DEUS, an emblematic design of the Manufacture (gold, mother-of-pearl, silver and Excellence version), and the Archangel Saint Michael, spear raised, in the midst of battle.

Saint Raphael, the guiding archangel

Raphael is one of the three archangels named in Scripture, with Michael and Gabriel. The Book of Tobit shows him guiding and protecting the young Tobias throughout a perilous journey, before restoring his father's sight: his name means "God heals". The figure of the guardian angel comes from him, and it is him that our Guardian Angel medal depicts: the archangel, wings spread, one hand raised to Heaven, the other resting on the shoulder of the child he accompanies. Celebrated on 29 September with Michael and Gabriel. Suits the names Raphaël and Raphaëlle, and anyone one wishes to place under an angel's care. See the Guardian Angel medal (gold, mother-of-pearl and silver).

Saint John the Baptist, the saint of baptism

The one who baptised Christ in the Jordan has a special bond with the sacrament of baptism. Our medal shows him as a child, hands joined, before a cross of branches and a lying lamb, the Lamb of God he would later point out. Celebrated on 24 June, the day of his birth. Suits the names Jean, John, Jean-Baptiste and Baptiste. See the Saint John the Baptist medal (gold, mother-of-pearl, silver and gold plate).

Saint George, the knight

A Roman soldier martyred at the beginning of the 4th century, George is depicted as a knight slaying a dragon with his lance, a legend of courage and protection spread by the Crusaders. He is the patron of knights and soldiers, and of several countries and cities of Europe, including England. Celebrated on 23 April. See the Saint George medal (gold, mother-of-pearl, silver, silver and mother-of-pearl and gold plate).

Saint Joseph, the father

Foster father of Christ, patron of fathers and workers, Joseph is shown carrying the Child Jesus, a stem of Lily in his hand, symbol of his faithfulness. Celebrated on 19 March, and on 1 May as Saint Joseph the Worker. See the Saint Joseph and the Child medal (gold, mother-of-pearl, silver and gold plate).

Saint Joan of Arc

She who lifted the siege of Orléans in 1429 and led Charles VII to his coronation in Reims, burned in Rouen in 1431 and canonised in 1920, is the secondary patron saint of France. Celebrated on 30 May; the French national feast of Joan of Arc falls on the second Sunday of May. Our medal shows her in armour, on horseback, holding the banner with fleurs-de-lis: a choice appreciated beyond the name Jeanne alone, for what she says about courage and faithfulness. See the Saint Joan of Arc medal (gold, mother-of-pearl, silver and gold plate).

The Holy Family

Mary, Joseph and the Child Jesus together on one medal: a subject that matches no particular name, but the very idea of family, celebrated on the Sunday after Christmas. A frequent choice for a christening where one wishes to unite parents and child on a single jewel, or for a wedding. See the Holy Family medal (gold, mother-of-pearl, silver and Excellence version).

What if the name matches none of these saints?

Our collection also includes subjects that suit every name: the Virgin Mary in her different images, the Guardian Angel, or symbols such as the dove or the tree of life. For Marian names (Marie, Maria, Marion, Myriam…), a medal of the Virgin is the natural choice. Do write to us if you are looking for a particular patron saint not yet on this list: our collection regularly grows with new designs.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find the patron saint of a name?
Most Christian names correspond to a saint celebrated on a set day of the calendar: this is the name day. Some names, such as Marie or Jean, have several possible saints; the family then chooses the one it prefers.

Which patron saint for the name Michel or Michael?
Saint Michael the Archangel, celebrated on 29 September, patron of soldiers and protector of France.

Which patron saint for the name Jean or John?
Most often Saint John the Baptist, celebrated on 24 June, who baptised Christ; some families choose Saint John the Evangelist, celebrated on 27 December.

Is there a Saint Raphael medal?
Yes: our Guardian Angel medal depicts the archangel Raphael, guide and protector of the young Tobias, watching over the child at his side.

Can the saint's feast day be engraved on the medal?
Yes: the first name and a date, birth, christening or saint's day, are engraved on the back, in our Paris workshop.

What to choose if the name has no patron saint in your collection?
The Virgin Mary, the Guardian Angel or a symbol such as the dove suit every name.

Where to buy a patron saint medal made in France?
Manufacture Mayaud, a French house founded in 1770, strikes its saint medals the traditional way, in 18-karat gold, solid silver, gold plate or mother-of-pearl; most are exclusive designs registered with the INPI. They can be ordered online and at the boutique at 25 rue Vaneau, Paris.

Further reading

• All our saint medals in yellow gold and our christening medals
• Medals of the Virgin Mary: which design to choose?
• The symbols of religious medals
• First Communion, confirmation: which jewellery to give?

Sources

• "Christophe de Lycie", Wikipédia
• Cathobel, "Pourquoi saint Christophe est-il le patron des voyageurs ?"