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The Puritans Were Onto Something...

LaurenMartine
By LaurenMartine
Updated Tue May 23 2023
Some names inspired by ye olde Puritan virtue and vice names that are surprisingly cool.
  1. Constance

    • Origin:

      English version of Latin Constantia

    • Meaning:

      "steadfastness"

    • Description:

      Constance is one of the more subtle of the virtue baby names, but still has quite a prim and proper image. One impediment to its revival has been the decidedly dated nickname Connie, though modern parents might well opt for using the strong and dignified name in full.
  2. Credence

    • Origin:

      Pop Culture, word name

    • Meaning:

      "belief, trust"

    • Description:

      A modern word and virtue name which first appeared on the US baby name charts in 2013, when it was given to 6 boys. By 2018, that had doubled to 12 (plus 8 girls), no doubt thanks to the enigmatic Credence Barebone from the Fantastic Beasts film franchise. The Creedence spelling, however, remains more popular, while the simpler Creed is in the Top 700.
  3. Earnest

    • Description:

      Earnest is a masculine name of English origin that developed from the word 'earnest,' meaning 'serious,' 'sincere,' or 'determined.' The name gained popularity during the Victorian era when virtue names were fashionable and personal qualities were considered appropriate inspirations for given names. Oscar Wilde's 1895 play 'The Importance of Being Earnest' playfully highlighted the name's association with seriousness and sincerity. Throughout the early 20th century, Earnest maintained moderate popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, before gradually declining after the 1950s. Often confused with Ernest (without the 'a'), this spelling variant has always been less common. The name conveys qualities of dedication, sincerity, and moral seriousness, making it appealing to parents who value these traditional virtues.

  4. Patience

    • Origin:

      Latin virtue name

    • Meaning:

      "ability to accept or tolerate inconveniences, and suffering without anxiety or anger"

    • Description:

      Patience is a passive virtue turned engaging name, fresher than Hope, Faith, or even Charity. Its resemblance to the trendy Payton may be one reason that it returned to the US charts back in the 90's and 2000s, having been absent for a century.
  5. Prudence

    • Origin:

      Virtue name

    • Meaning:

      "caution"

    • Description:

      Prudence, like Hope and Faith, is a Puritan virtue name with a quiet charm and sensitivity that is slowly returning to favor, though it hasn't yet registered on the charts.
  6. Pious
    • Temperance

      • Origin:

        Virtue name

      • Description:

        Not too long ago, Temperance was found only on lists of Puritan baby names.
    • Valentine

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "strength, health"

      • Description:

        Valentine is an attractive Shakespearean name with romantic associations, but those very ties to the saint and the sentimental holiday have sent it into a decline, one which we think may be about to turn around.
    • Virtue

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "moral excellence"

      • Description:

        The mother of all virtue names.