Historic and Vintage Names
Papal Names
Papal names exhibit a spectrum from the quite conventional, like Paul and Alexander, to the more unusual and elaborate, such as Telesphorus. When elected, popes typically select a new regnal name, often drawing inspiration from a saint or a predecessor. This practice, however, has not always been adhered to; the 56th pope, John II, broke tradition by opting not to use his birth name, Mercurius, which was derived from the pagan deity Mercury. Since then, it has become customary for most popes to adopt a different name.