Blythe

Blythe is Nameberry gem — one of those names that visitors to the site are often searching for, despite the fact it's never ranked in the US charts as a given name.

The name is derived the Old English word bliðe, which, just like its homophone blithe, means "merry" or "cheerful." Originally used as a nickname for an upbeat person, it was later adapted into a surname. While it was occasionally used as a name by the Puritans in the 16th century in the forms Blitha for girls and Blyth for boys, it didn't really catch on as a given name until the 19th century.

Blythe embodies a cheerful, carefree spirit and could strike the balance for those who like Blair, Blake, Bitt, and Blaine, but also Ruth, Ivy, Beatrice and Edith. It might also appeal to those who want something spirited and cheerful for their baby, but find Felicity too frilly and Joy too on the nose.

Blythe is the middle name of actress Drew Barrymore—in her case a surname from her rich theatrical history. It is also borne by actress Blythe Danner, mother to Gwyneth Paltrow.

The title of the memorable Noel Coward play Blithe Spirit is taken from Shelley's poetic line, "Hail to thee, blithe Spirit"—a nice tribute to a baby Blythe, while Gilbert Blythe is a literary namesake, from Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series.

Given to around 100 girls in a recent year in the US, the name, as it stands, peaked in 2013, when it was given to around 170 girls — along with 7 boys.

Pronounced BLIEDH; BLIEV.

As of October 2026, Blythe ranked #2052 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1075 in 1974, Nameberry popularity #148.