I found this facinating; where does it say the names of the criminals who were crucified; I'm almost positive that the Bible never names them.

Are the names just traditional?

I have noticed that the author of this article, does not necessarily stick close to the truth , so I would be afraid to quote him, or believe in all that he says. So check out things printed here for yourself.

From this web page on the thief Dismas (also known as Desmas.)

DISMAS

Also known as: The Good Thief; Desmas
Memorial: 25 March; date derived from traditon that this was the calendar date of the Crucifixion, though the Passover and Easter celebrations move from year to year
Profile: One of the thieves crucified with Jesus, the other being traditionally known as Gestas; Dismas is the one who rebuked the other, and asked for Christ's blessing.

An old legend from an Arabic infancy gospel says that when the Holy Family were running to Egypt, they were set upon by a band of thieves including Dismas and Gestas. One of the highwaymen realized there was something different, something special about them, and ordered his fellow bandits to leave them alone; this thief was Dismas.
Died: crucified c.30 at Jerusalem
Name Meaning: dying
Patronage: condemned prisoners, criminals, death row prisoners, funeral directors, prisoners, prisoners on death row, reformed thieves, undertakers
Prayers: Prayer to...
Prayer to...
Prayer for Prisoners, by Pope Pius XII ...in Honor of the Good Thief
Representation: carrying his cross immediately behind Christ; crucified at Christ's right hand; naked, holding his cross, often with his hand on his heart to signify penitence; tall cross
Storefront: Commercial Links related to Saint Dismas
Additional Information: Hermitage of the Holy Cross
For All The Saints
Saints Alive, by Father Robert F McNamara
New Cahtolic Dictionary
Prison Ministry: Saint Dismas Prison Ministry Metanoia Movement
Saint Dismas Episcopal Community
Prayers for Prisoners
Translate: | | | |
Readings: Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us."

The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, "Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation. And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

Luke 23:39-43

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