Baby Name Meanings · Nature, Place and Word Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 8 pages
of 8
English word name
"whimsical or fanciful"
Whimsy is a new entry to the ever-expanding word name lexicon, sister for Pixie and Bliss. While it has an undeniable offbeat English aristocratic charm (maybe we're thinking of Dorothy Sayers'…
Italian
"constant, steadfast"
A virtue name with a spirited sound, Costanza is a Top 200 name in its native Italy. It ultimately derives from the Late Roman name, Constans, making it a relation of the English Constance. While…
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.
French
"loyal"
A kind of French virtue name, an affectionate form of Fidele.
Word name
Fidelity is an admirable virtue, yes, but as a name it tends to sound like a financial institution. Faith, Honor, or Patience would be easier to live with than Fidelity.
English from French, word name
"Saturday Night Live" cast member Finesse Mitchell often mocks his own and similar names when portraying the character Starkeisha on the show.
"courage during adversity"
Fortitude is the kind of virtue name the Puritans favored that could feel rather heavy for a modern boy. Nevertheless, with options such as Sincere, Chosen, Messiah, and Valor on the rise, perhaps in…
Full-hearted new virtue choice, though five syllables is a lot to handle.
"marked by kindness and courtesy"
A warm and positive English word name, used by the Puritans for both sexes but now given to only around a dozen baby girls each year.
An off-beat Puritan era virtue name with a bright, optimistic meaning. Hopestill has occasionally been used as a unisex name, such as in the case of missionary Hopestill Pillow or builder Hopestill…
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.
Inspiration might inspire some as a middle name choice.
"integrity"
Integrity may be an outstanding quality, but Honor or True may work better as names.
Just is a masculine name with Latin roots, derived from the word "justus" meaning "fair" or "righteous." As a given name, it carries strong connotations of morality, integrity, and fairness. Popular…
English, Irish
"bold, brave; battle"
Actor Mark Ruffalo honed this surname down to its basics when he chose it for his son. A more usable expansion might be the Irish surname Keenan/Keenen.
Virtue name
It may have been used by the Puritans, but any modern child would chafe under this name.
English
"feeling of pleasure or delight"
This virtue name was the middle name of Alice Liddell — the child who inspired Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland books.
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.
Forget Patience and Charity: Here's a Colonial name (and sentiment) that seems perfect for modern times.
