The Most Famous Female Saint, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the female saint you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 10, 2024 07:08

Throughout history, female saints have shaped countless lives and communities with their faith, resilience, and dedication. These remarkable women from various periods and regions have become symbols of virtue and courage. As society evolves, recognizing and ranking these influential figures helps preserve their stories and inspirations for future generations. This dynamic list is shaped directly by your participation. By casting your votes, you contribute to a broader appreciation and understanding of these women's extraordinary lives and achievements. Engage with the histories of these iconic figures and help determine whose legacies resonate most strongly in today's world.

Who Is the Most Famous Female Saint?

1

50
votes

Duccio di Buoninsegna · Public domain

St. Mary, mother of Jesus

She is considered the most important and revered female saint in Christianity. Her story is well-known and celebrated around the world.
2

19
votes

F.Maltais · Public domain

St. Teresa of Avila

She was a Spanish mystic and writer who founded the Discalced Carmelites. She is known for her spiritual writings and her reform of the Carmelite order.
3

13
votes

St. Catherine of Siena

She was an Italian mystic and theologian who played a significant role in the Catholic Church during the 14th century. She is known for her devotion to God and her writings on spiritual topics.
4

23
votes

User Sulfur on en.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

St. Joan of Arc

She was a French heroine who led the French army to several victories during the Hundred Years' War. She was later captured and burned at the stake for heresy. She is considered a martyr and a symbol of French nationalism.
5

15
votes
NewSpeaks · CC BY-SA 3.0

St. Therese of Lisieux

She was a French Carmelite nun who is known for her spiritual writings and her "Little Way" of devotion to God. She is often called "The Little Flower" and is a popular saint among Catholics.
St. Therese of Lisieux in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most handsome saint
6

12
votes

St. Clare of Assisi

She was a follower of St. Francis of Assisi and founded the Order of Poor Ladies (now known as the Poor Clares) for women. She is known for her devotion to poverty and her spiritual writings.
7

11
votes

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

She was the first native-born American to be canonized as a saint. She founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph and established the first Catholic school in the United States.
8

7
votes

Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

St. Faustina Kowalska

She was a Polish nun who is known for her devotion to the Divine Mercy and her writings on the subject. She is considered a mystic and is celebrated by Catholics around the world.
9

3
votes

St. Gianna Beretta Molla

She was an Italian physician and mother who died while giving birth to her fourth child. She is known for her commitment to family and her pro-life stance. She was canonized in 2004.
10

6
votes

St. Edith Stein

She was a German philosopher and convert to Catholicism who later became a Carmelite nun. She was killed at Auschwitz during the Holocaust and is known for her writings on the nature of the human person.

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Ranking factors for famous female saint

Popularity

The saint's popularity across different cultures and religions.
Historical significance

The impact the saint has had on history and society.
Miracles

The number of miracles attributed to the saint.
Influence

The saint's influence on religious thought and practice.
Patronage

The extent of the saint's patronage (i.e., the types of issues or people the saint is associated with).
Canonization

The official recognition of sainthood by the Catholic Church.
Representation in art and literature

The frequency and quality of representations of the saint in art and literature.
The saint's story

The compelling story and legacy of the saint.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous female saint. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or saintess is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1877 views
158 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each saintess once every 24 hours. The rank of each saintess is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous female saint

Background Information: Female Saints Throughout history, there have been countless women who have made significant contributions to the Christian faith. These women, also known as female saints, are revered for their devotion to God, their outstanding virtues, and their selfless acts of kindness. From the early days of Christianity to the present day, female saints have played a vital role in shaping the beliefs and practices of the Church. Some of the most famous female saints include Mary, the mother of Jesus, St. Theresa of Avila, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Joan of Arc. Each of these women had a unique story and a strong faith that inspired others to follow in their footsteps. Many of these saints were known for their miracles, their visions, and their unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of persecution and hardship. Today, female saints continue to inspire and guide believers around the world. Their teachings and examples of faith serve as a reminder of the power of prayer and the importance of living a virtuous life. As we explore the question of who is the most famous female saint, we are called to reflect on the contributions of these remarkable women and the impact they have had on the world.