The Puritans Were Onto Something...

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:

      Anerican word name
    • 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.
  3. Earnest
    • Patience
      • Origin:

        Latin virtue name
      • 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 for its recent spike in popularity.
    • 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.
    • 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.