His birth name was Josef Alois Ratzinger
Pope Benedict's first name is Joseph.
Maria Ratzinger was the name of Pope Benedict's mother.
Prior to Benedict XVI there were 14 other popes with that name. Pope Benedict X was an antipope and does not count.
Pope Benedict was able to choose a new name when he was elected Pope. Popes usually choose the name of a saint they admire.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Which Pope Benedict? There have been 16 popes by that name.
He chose the name Benedict to honor two individuals he greatly admired - Saint Benedict of Nursia and Pope Benedict XV.
His title and name will be Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
He will be known as His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
Pope Benedict was named Theophylactus at birth.
He is known as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
Pope Benedict was born Josef Alois Ratzinger.