Ellen emailed Patrick and asked: "Is it wrong to name my guardian angel?"

The Short Answer:
Patrick says, “No, don’t name your guardian angel,” because the Church actually says not to.

Why not?

Angels are right below God in the order of creation, way above us humans.

They have authority over us, not the other way around. Your guardian angel is like your heavenly bodyguard, not your pet.

Naming means authority. In the Bible, Adam named the animals to show his dominion over them. Since angels have dominion over us, naming them flips the order.

God already named them. He’s the Creator, so naming rights are His, not ours.

Patrick’s Analogy:
It’d be like your dog deciding to name you. That'd be strange! 

Extra backup:
Even Pope Benedict XVI said not to do it. Saints like Padre Pio, St. Teresa of Ávila, and St. John Bosco had close relationships with their guardian angels, but they never named them.

What you can do:

-Talk to your guardian angel every day.

-Ask for guidance and protection.

-Foster that friendship, but don't name them.