Blythe

Blythe for girls#2052 US

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.

Blythe for boys#7747 US

Blythe originated as a nickname for an upbeat person, coming from the Old English word bliðe, meaning "merry" or "cheerful." It was later adapted into a surname, and while it did see some use as a first name from the 16th century Puritans, it wasn't really until the 19th century when it shifted into a mostly feminine given name.

While Blythe feels like a well established choice, it has never been in the US Top 1000, and though its notable name sakes — actresses Blythe Danner, Drew Blythe Barrymore, and Blythe Duff, along with Olympic diver, Blythe Hartley — it has also been used occasionally as a masculine name since at least the early 20th century.

In fact, the variant Blyth was the masculine choice for the Puritans, whereas Blitha was preferred for girls. It also bears similarities to the likes of Blake, Blaine, Blaise, Brooks, Banks, Beau, Briar, Brett, and Blair, giving it unisex potential. Beyond that, there's also literary namesake Gilbert Blythe, the hero of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series.

"Bringing Up Bates" stars Erin Bates and Chad Paine named their son Henry Blythe in 2025.