12 Perfect names for a spring newborn baby

The arrival of a newborn is always exciting, but there seems to be something extra symbolic about a new baby born in the spring months, marked by the Easter season.

So with the season of new life fast upon us, we've collected names inspired by the theme of resurrection that would a wonderful choice for any baby born in the weeks to come. A lot of these names come from Europe -- some for boys and some for girls:

This Welsh name meaning lamb is full of rich symbolism: the sacrificial lamb in the Old Testament, and the Lamb of God, as Jesus is called since He sacrificed Himself for us. Born in spring, lambs are also associated with new life. The name also belonged to a courageous 16th-century carpenter, St. Nicholas Owen, who hid many priests during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

The name Raphael, meaning God has healed, sums up the feeling of hope that comes with spring. It's a chance to brush off the past and start afresh. St. Raphael is one of the three archangels named in the Bible and is believed to have tremendous healing powers. For a little girl you could always opt for the version Raphaella.

Florentina means blooming -- the perfect choice for a spring baby girl -- and belongs to a Spanish saint born in the 6th century. Devoting her life to God, St. Florentina chose to live an ascetic life and set up a religious community. A slightly unusual, but very pretty, baby name.

As spring appears, so does the color green, with trees and plant life reemerging. Basil (from the Greek for "royal") is the name of a popular green herb and also of a 4th-century bishop, one of fathers of the early Christian Church, St. Basil the Great. A prolific writer known for his charity, Basil was instrumental in defending the faith during turbulent times.

If you like all things European, then why not opt for Lucien, the French version of Luke, meaning light? While spring brings with it physical light, more importantly we receive the light of the Lord, making it the ideal name for your very own ray of light.

May is a diminutive form of Mary or Margaret. While it's the month that falls mid-spring, it also happens to be the month devoted to Mary, the Mother of God. We couldn't think of a more perfect choice for any baby girl, at any time of year!

Increasingly popular, the name Lily stems from the beautiful flower and means rebirth and purity -- the virtue any parent would want for their baby girl. The name Lilian is a derivation of the name if you wanted something a little longer.

Not only is this name pretty, it actually means resurrection, befitting of St. Anastasia, the 4th-century martyr, who died during the Diocletian persecutions. Imprisoned for her faith, she ministered to those in need and was eventually burned alive. Her courage, fortitude, and faith are an inspiration. There are also a myriad of pretty derivatives to suit the character of your little angel.

This name is particularly perfect for a little boy arriving around Easter as it comes from the Latin Paschalis, meaning "related to Easter." St. Paschal Baylon was a Spanish Franciscan lay brother devoted to the sick and the Eucharist and who chose to live a life of poverty. "Pascale" is the feminine form of the name and is equally beautiful.

From the Latin clarus, meaning "bright or clear," this name is a great option for a spring baby as the days get brighter. It's also the name of the young woman who followed St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare of Assisi, who founded the Poor Clares.

We couldn't resist the classic name of the beautiful spring flower. What's more, the rose symbolizes hope and new beginnings and is also the name of the first saint from the Americas, St. Rose of Lima, who cared for the needy and was known for her extreme ascetic lifestyle and devotion to God.