Around the turn of the 20th century, it was common for nearly all babies to be given names that were either directly derived from or closely related to the names of Catholic saints. This naming tradition was deeply rooted in religious practice and social norms of the time. Today, however, only about a quarter of newborns receive names connected to Catholic saints. This significant shift has sparked interest among sociologists and historians, who are examining the changing role of religion in personal identity and naming conventions. Baptiste Coulmont, a sociology professor at the École normale supérieure Paris-Saclay, has studied this transformation in naming practices. He explains that the decline in saint-related names reflects broader societal changes, including the increasing secularization of European countries and the influence of modern naming trends that prioritize individuality and personal significance over traditional religious associations. Coulmont notes that the early 20th century was a time when religious affiliation played a central role in many aspects of daily life, including the naming of children. Names were often chosen not only for their religious significance but also for their perceived moral and social implications. As societies have become more secular, the influence of religious traditions on personal naming has diminished, allowing for a wider variety of names that reflect diverse cultural, ethnic, and personal influences. The professor also highlights that while the use of saintly names has declined, other naming trends have emerged. These include names inspired by popular culture, historical figures, or even fictional characters from books, films, and TV shows. This evolution in naming practices illustrates the dynamic nature of cultural identity and the ways in which personal names continue to reflect the values and influences of the times in which they are given.