Virtue/Spiritual Names

If you like such uplifting New Age word names as Peace and Justice, the evocative and pretty Imagine should definitely be on your short list.

The mythical daughter of Eros and Psyche becomes a modern-sounding word name. Danger: could be seen as X-rated.

Possible middle name inspiration. Has been used as a first by musical couple Sole and Ginuwine, and basketball star Allen Iverson.

A shimmering day name, with a bit of hippie residue.

Promise is one of those word names with an uplifting meaning that is making inroads as a girls' name, like sisters Dream and Serenity. How promising is Promise as a first name? Our try at cleverness illustrates perhaps the biggest problem with naming your baby girl Promise: It will be difficult for people to resist making bad puns on the name. We promise (argh) you'll be tired of hearing them well before your baby Promise's first birthday.

With the first name True receiving a Kardashian dose of popularity for girls, Truth is gaining in visibility too. Though its still more popular for boys two to one, the truth is that the name works equally well for both genders -- but may inspire a lot of puns.

Luster is an uncommon masculine name derived from an English word meaning 'shine,' 'gleam,' or 'radiance.' Originally more common as a surname, it emerged as a given name through the practice of transforming family names into first names, particularly in American naming traditions. The name conveys qualities of brilliance, polish, and distinction, with implications of something that captures attention through its shining quality. Despite its positive connotations and appealing sound, Luster has never achieved widespread popularity as a first name, remaining notably rare in usage statistics. The name might appeal to parents seeking a distinctive option with strong sensory associations and an inherently positive meaning, though some might hesitate due to potential secondary meanings of the word in modern English.

A bold choice, encompassing ideas of eternal love between parents and children, of promises kept, and infinite time, Forever may also have spiritual or religious ties for some. Grounded by its similarity to the likes of Ever, Everly, Flora, and Heaven, it was chosen for 41 girls and 9 boys in a recent year.

Spaniards use Pax and Paz, Hebrew speakers Shalom, for Greeks it's Irene, so why can't we make the English word Peace a name? Peace Adzo Medie is the author of the novel His Only Wife.

One of the original so-weird-it's-cruel celebrity baby names doesn't sound quite so impossible with the resurgence of virtue names. But be charitable and choose Charity instead.

Experience is a word name used by the New England Puritans but probably too joke-worthy for a modern child...or teenager. It does not have as direct a biblical reference as most Puritan names.

True has become an accepted first and middle name; Truth makes an even stronger statement. And with nearly 150 baby boys named Truth in the US in the most recent year counted, as many as were named Ross, the word name is edging up on the Top 1000.

Illumination is a many-syllabled entrant in the new-fashioned virtue name group, but doesn't stand much chance of rivaling shorter choices like Hope and Faith.

One Puritan virtue name unlikely to thrive in the 21st century.

A distinctive, rhythmic, and lovely Spanish name that suggests enlightenment.

An admirable quality to impart; Pleasant was used by Charles Dickens in Our Mutual Friend and in modern times is known via American Girl dolls creator Pleasant Rowland.

Honesty is one of the modern virtue names, which along with Justice and Destiny are picking up where Faith, Hope, and Charity left off. Is Honesty the most appealing name ever? No, and it's also sure to spark lots of tiresome jokes. Still, Honesty is a positive quality and a lot more appealing than negative word names such as Pistol and Rehab (which both, yes, were given to five baby girls in the US last year).

It may have been used by the Puritans, but any modern child would chafe under this name.

Full-hearted new virtue choice, though five syllables is a lot to handle.

The definition of quirky.