Here are the names most commonly used by popes since the 1st century

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Since the early days of the Catholic Church, the choice of a pope’s name has never been trivial. It often reflects a spiritual intention, an ideological origin, or a tribute to a significant figure in the Church’s history. When analyzing the 266 popes elected since St. Peter in the 1st century, specific names appear particularly often.

John, the most popular papal name
The name John was chosen by 23 popes, making it the most frequently used name in the papacy’s history. Its popularity is due to several factors, including the critical figures of John the Evangelist and John the Baptist, who were regarded as models of faith and fidelity. The last pope to bear this name was John XXIII, elected in 1958 and known as the convener of the Second Vatican Council.

Gregory and Benedict, names of reform and austerity
Gregory, elected by 16 popes, recalls in particular Gregory I, the Great, who was pope in the 6th century and known for his missionary work and liturgical reform. This name symbolizes the spiritual authority and organization of the church.

The name Benedict, which was also given to 16 popes, refers to St. Benedict of Nursia, the founder of Western monasticism. Pope Benedict XVI (2005-2013) wanted to place his pontificate in this tradition of doctrinal rigor and theological reflection.

Clement and Leon, the pillars of doctrine
With 14 occurrences, Clement refers to Clement I, one of the first popes whose letters to the Corinthians are essential in the apostolic tradition.

The name Leo, also used 14 times, remains associated with Leo I, also known as the Great, who was known for defending orthodoxy against heresies and his political role in the face of barbarian invasions.

Innocent and Pius emphasized purity and piety
Given 13 popes, the name Innocent may be surprising. It refers to moral purity, but several Innocent popes, such as Innocent III, one of the most influential of the Middle Ages, exercised significant political power.

Cake, elected 12 times, evokes piety and devotion. The most recent, Pius XII, led the Church during the Second World War and remains controversial due to his stance against National Socialism.

Etienne and Boniface, names from another time
Stephen and Boniface, each borne by nine popes, belong to earlier periods of church history. They bear witness to traditions that have their roots in Christian antiquity. Boniface refers in particular to the evangelization of Germania in the 8th century.

Urban, Alexander: Master builder popes
The name Urban occurs eight times and is often associated with pontificates linked to crusades or reform efforts. Urban II, for example, launched the First Crusade in 1095.

Alexander, elected seven times, refers to a decisive period in the church, between the strengthening of the papacy and political disputes, particularly under Alexander III, who resisted Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.

A tradition that is still alive
Since Pope Sergius I (7th century), the name change on accession to the throne has become systematic. This decision is often a message to the Church and the world. When Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected in 2013, he surprised everyone by choosing the name Francis – a first. He paid homage to St. Francis of Assisi, the symbol of poverty, humility, and peace.

Therefore, this tradition of papal names reflects much more than simple usage: it embodies a vision, a program, even a theological line. It also allows popes to be part of a continuity or to mark a break. The choice of name is itself a history of the Church.