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Sixtus Ughamadu wrote:

Hi, guys —

  • Can you tell me the real meaning of the name Sixtus, because that's my name?

I feel ashamed that I don't know its meaning.

I come from a strong Catholic family and I was told that the name was given to me by my late grandfather during my birth.

It would be appreciated if you could give me an answer.

Thanks,

Sixtus

  { Seeing it is my first name, can you tell me the real meaning of the name Sixtus? }

Mary Ann replied:

Hi, Sixtus —

Well, it is Latin, and means sixth. It is also the name of one of the earliest Popes, I think the fourth one.

The name is in the ancient Roman Eucharistic prayer of the Mass, which lists several early popes starting with Peter.

Mary Ann

Mike replied:

Hi, Sixtus —

I just wanted to add to my colleague's answer.

There have been five Popes that have taken the name Sixtus.

  • Why Sixtus?

Well, it appears that Sixtus I was the sixth successor to St. Peter. The other popes probably took the name Sixtus in honor of the first Sixtus, one of their predecessors. He was also given the title, martyr. Here are a list of the successors to St. Peter.

The Sixtus or Xystus who is commemorated in the Canon of the Mass is Xystus II, not Xystus I.

Here is what New Advent has to say about all of them:

It appears your late grandfather wanted to name you after a special set of saints so you would have a lot of saintly Pope's praying for you.

Hope this helps,

Mike

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