Throughout the centuries, the moment a newly elected Pope selects his papal name has come to symbolize more than just personal preference—it is a deliberate act steeped in history, tradition, and meaning. Though the custom of changing one’s name upon ascending to the papacy is now widely expected, it was not always so, particularly in the early Christian era. In fact, many of the first Popes retained their birth names, with the practice of adopting a new one gaining prominence only after the first millennium.

The origin of this tradition can be traced back to Saint Peter himself. Born Simon, he was renamed by Christ—a powerful act that laid the groundwork for the idea that becoming Pope is akin to a spiritual rebirth. As Christianity grew and matured, especially during its early struggles with Roman paganism, many Popes began to shed their pagan birth names, adopting names that better reflected Christian identity and legacy.

Today, the first official action of a newly elected Pope is to choose a new name, immediately after accepting the mandate as Bishop of Rome. The Cardinal Protodeacon then steps out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and proclaims the famous Latin phrase "Habemus Papam", followed by the Pope’s chosen name—often packed with theological, political, or personal resonance.

Though only 129 of the 266 Popes in history (not counting the next one) have adopted a name different from their baptismal one, the practice has become firmly institutionalized since 955 AD, when Pope John XII chose his name. Exceptions since then have been rare—Adrian VI in the 16th century and Marcellus II are the only modern examples of Popes who retained their birth names. In many cases, especially for those from religious orders, the papal name becomes their third name, adding yet another layer of symbolism to their spiritual journey.

The reasons behind the choice of papal names vary. Often, Popes select the names of predecessors they admire, expressing both continuity and homage. This can signal a desire to align with the legacy of a previous pontificate, particularly during times of reform, challenge, or renewal. Conversely, some Popes choose names never used before, indicating a fresh start or a shift in direction. The clearest example of this was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who became the first Pope Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi—a name that embodied humility, peace, and care for the marginalized.

Throughout the annals of papal history, some names have stood out in popularity. The most frequently used is John, first taken by Pope John I in 523 and last used by John XXIII in 1958, who was later canonized by Pope Francis. Gregory, in tribute to the great Pope Gregory I (Saint Gregory the Great), has also been a favored name, as has Benedict—most recently adopted by Joseph Ratzinger in 2005. Other recurring names include Pius, Leo, Clement, and Innocent. From 1775 to 1958, seven out of eleven Popes chose the name Pius, a testament to the enduring influence of that papal line. Pius XII, for instance, chose his name partly in honor of multiple predecessors—Pius IX, Pius X, and Pius XI—each of whom played pivotal roles in his spiritual and ecclesiastical formation.

Interestingly, despite Peter’s primacy as the first Pope, no Pope has ever adopted his name—likely out of deep reverence for the Apostle and a recognition that there can only be one "Peter." Likewise, certain names common in Christian tradition, such as Joseph, Andrew, Luke, and James, have never been used by a Pope.

Still, six Popes have honored the Apostle Paul by taking his name, the most notable being Paul VI, who is remembered for ushering in a new era of global outreach through apostolic travels. His name choice reflected a missionary spirit that became central to his pontificate.

A rare but notable innovation in papal naming came in 1978, when Albino Luciani merged two names to become John Paul I. This unique gesture paid tribute to his immediate predecessors, John XXIII and Paul VI, signaling both gratitude and theological alignment. His successor, Karol Wojtyła, followed the same path as John Paul II, creating an unprecedented sense of continuity and shared mission.

Pope Benedict XVI later explained his choice during his first General Audience in April 2005. He sought to invoke the memory of Benedict XV, who guided the Church through the moral catastrophe of World War I, and also Saint Benedict of Nursia, the founder of Western monasticism and patron of Europe. The name, he said, was meant to symbolize peace, strength of faith, and the unity of the Christian continent.

In sum, the name a Pope takes is never random—it is a mirror of intent, identity, and inspiration. Whether evoking the past or charting a new course, the papal name tells a story all its own, revealing the spiritual and pastoral path a new pontiff hopes to walk.