I know that this isn't about library work or non-profits, but:
I read and enjoyed this article on unusual saint's names and why you might consider them for your sons, but came to the conclusion that parents would encourage instant bullying of their boys if some of these were first names, regardless of historical importance or intent. Of course, the middle schooler/Eddie Haskill in me came up with nicknames based on these which would have the unfortunate ability to stick for life. To wit:
Bairfhion--"Barf"
Serapion-- "Sir a-peein"; "You're-a-peein'';
Zynoviy--"Zee" strictly for simplicity's sake--but this is a name you give your child if you want to cause every teacher he has to develop a double-take tic, or so that your son will endure a life time of "how do you spell that?" or "Z-Z-Z (awkward silence) 'How do you pronounce that?'". Actually, I'm guessing that's pronounced ZehNOvee--sort of rhymes with "Genovia" (See "Princess Diaries").
Aceptismas--"Axe", "Hatchet", "Unacceptable"
Vimin--"Vermin"; "Vimen" (if you're a SCRABBLE player)
Pollio--"String Cheese", "Polio"
Alphege--"Fetch" "Fletch"
Pancras--"Pancreas"; "Pancake"; "Waffle" (okay, that one is a stretch)
Now middle names are another story. Like many people, I didn't learn some of my classmates more colorful middle names until high school graduation rehearsal. A creative parent might get away with using one of these for a middle name, but...
*--Shirley Ellis, 1964.
