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Pure Puritanical

vintageluvs
By vintageluvs
Updated Tue May 23 2023
Puritan names that are stark words but also have a very Thanksgiving feel to them. These are the names that go beyond the simple Biblical and classic choices. Please note that these are the actual names of my ancestors and are therefore 100% authentic.
  1. Grace

    • Origin:

      English, virtue name

    • Description:

      Grace, a simple and pure virtue name which originally referred to divine grace, is a fashionable classic. In the early 2000s, it seemed headed for the Top 10 but pulled back from the upward trajectory, which you may consider a very good thing.
  2. Honesty

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "adherence to the facts"

    • Description:

      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).
  3. Favor

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "kindness, benefit; approval, support"

    • Description:

      A warm-sounding word and virtue name used by the Puritans and still popular in parts of Africa, especially with the Favour spelling. It might be used as a nickname for the longer, perhaps even bolder form, Godfavor (as in, "favored by God").
  4. Gracious

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "marked by kindness and courtesy"

    • Description:

      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.
  5. Adore

    • Origin:

      Word name, English

    • Meaning:

      "love, respect. worship"

    • Description:

      With lofty word names like Chosen, Blessing, Halo, and Haven in vogue, Adore feels like it could fit right in. With possible spiritual undertones and a sense of self-confidence, Adore also sounds shares sounds with the popular Aurora and provides the nickname Addie, which make the bold choice feel more wearable. Given to 125 girls in a recent year, it is a round four times more popular than it was a decade ago.
  6. Experience

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Description:

      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.
  7. Blessing

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      Blessing is among the Top 1000 girls' names in the UK and recently joined the ranks in the US as well. With modern spiritual names like Shiloh, Chosen, and Halo trending upwards, Blessing is likely to continue to rise in popularity.
  8. Experience

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      Experience was used by the Puritans but probably too joke-worthy for a modern child...or teenager.
  9. Comfort

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      This Puritan virtue name is unstylish, but sympathetic and appealing, in these largely uncomfortable times.
  10. Desire

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Description:

      Believe it or not, this was a fairly common appellation in early New England, interpreted not in the sexual sense, but more in terms of desiring salvation. In modern times, the French name Desiree, pronounced dehz-ih-ray, would be more acceptable.
  11. Constancy

    • Description:

      Constancy is a feminine virtue name derived from the Latin 'constantia,' meaning steadfastness or faithfulness. It emerged during the Puritan era when virtue names gained popularity for their emphasis on moral qualities. Though never widely used, Constancy represents reliability, perseverance, and unwavering commitment. The name carries a dignified, somewhat antique sensibility while offering the friendlier nickname options of Connie or Stancy. While virtue names have experienced periodic revivals, Constancy remains quite rare, appealing primarily to those drawn to uncommon historical names with clear, positive meanings. Its connection to steadfast values makes it an understated choice with significant moral weight.

  12. Abstinence
    • Abundance
      • Abuse-not
        • Accepted
          • Acts-Apostles
            • Agony
              • Aid-on-high
                • Anger
                  • Approved

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