Virtue Names

One of the rarest of virtue names, Clemency could come back along with the more familiar Puritan virtue names such as Hope and Faith. It has a rhythmic three-syllable sound, and offers a more virtuous alternative to the more popular Clementine. 
 Clemence is the medieval French form, also heard occasionally in the UK. Writer Clemence Dane was born Winifred Ashton.
 Clemmie makes a cute nickname.

Clemency

This Puritan virtue name may be unstylish, but it is also sympathetic and appealing in these largely uncomfortable times.

Comfort

With its ties to tranquil Walden Pond, and harmonious meaning, this could be a modern virtue name. It may also make people think of Concorde, the supersonic airliner plane, retired back in 2003.  

Concord

A traditional French male name that could, with American pronunciation, become an admirable word name. 

Constant

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

Delight

A Puritan-esque virtue name with religious undertones — referring to being cleansed of evil spirits. For the bold namer, the built-in nicknames Liv and Livy feel approachable.

Deliverance

A big, bold, ultra-rare virtue name. Could it follow in the footsteps of Justice and Liberty?

Democracy

In Buddhism, Dharma embodies the basic principles of cosmic existence--making it a fitting name for the hippyish character on the sitcom Dharma and Greg, whose middle name was Freedom. 
 Students of Beat literature will be familiar with the name via part of the title of a Jack Kerouac novel, <e>Dharma Bums.
 Dharma tends to evoke the feeling of good karma.

Dharma

Adventurous word choice, but still quite a burden for a child to bear. 

Discovery

If you want to give your child the gift of...gab. 

Eloquent

Virtue names, favored by the Puritans, represent qualities we should embody or at least aspire to. They are 

, such as Creed and Heavenly, that often speak to a parent's values that they hope to pass on to their children.

 include Ace, Felicity, Grace, Haven, Journey, Justice, Legend, and Serenity. Rare virtuous names on the rise include Irie, Ever, Hero, and Pax.

 such as Obedience and Modesty might be too outdated for a 21st-century child, plenty of modern virtue names would feel right at home on today's playgrounds. In fact, we wouldn't be surprised if names like Reverie and Zen or Loyal and True become downright mainstream in the coming years.

Here, our complete list of both antique and modern virtue names.

Virtue names for babies including meaning, origin, and popularity, with antique Puritan virtue names like Hope and Charity and new virtue names such as Creed and Justice. (Page 8)