Virtue Names Off the Beaten Track
- Gracious
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"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.
- Sincerity
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"sincerity, truth"Description:
A Puritan-virtue type name that could possibly work for a modern baby with its rhythmic four-syllable sound and admirable meaning.
- Prosperity
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Forget Patience and Charity: Here's a Colonial name (and sentiment) that seems perfect for modern times.
- Purity
Origin:
Virtue nameDescription:
A puritan virtue name that's only slightly less challenging than Chastity. It was used for nearly 20 baby girls in the contemporary US in one recent year.
- Precious
Origin:
Latin word nameMeaning:
"of great worth, expensive"Description:
Though many might find it too syrupy, hundreds of parents each year choose this name for their daughters to make them feel special. Precious Ramotswe is the engaging African sleuth in the popular No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.
- Revel
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"rejoice"Description:
Revel is a joyous word name that may appeal to parents wanting a non-traditional Biblical choice or simply a name that expresses how they feel.
- Fidelity
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Fidelity is an admirable virtue, yes, but as a name it tends to sound like a financial institution. Faith, Honor, or Patience would be easier to live with than Fidelity.
- Benevolent
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
One of the new generation of virtue names, with Peace and Justice taking over from the Puritans' Absolution and Forgiveness, but this one is still a bit heavy to carry.
- Concord
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"harmony, peaceful coexistence"Description:
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.
- Bright
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"bright"Description:
Rare word name that works for either gender.
- Charisma
Origin:
Word name, English from GreekMeaning:
"charisma, grace"Description:
Trying to imbue your child with charisma at birth involves a certain degree of chutzpah. It was brought into the mix by ex. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" actress Charisma Carpenter, who was named after an Avon perfume.
- Worth
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"enclosure, homestead"Description:
No low self-esteem for this kid, or so his parents hope.
- Virtue
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"moral excellence"Description:
The mother of all virtue names.
- Verita
Description:
Verita is a feminine name with Latin roots, derived from 'veritas' meaning 'truth.' This connection gives the name a powerful philosophical significance and virtuous quality. While uncommon in mainstream usage, Verita has occasionally appeared throughout Western history, particularly in Italian and Spanish-speaking regions. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its three syllables and gentle ending. Verita might appeal to parents drawn to virtue names with classical origins, seeking an alternative to more common options like Verity or Vera. Its rarity gives it distinction while its meaning provides a strong symbolic foundation for a child's identity.
- Silence
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
The Puritans used it as a virtue name -- but today it would just be considered weird: silence is no longer golden.
- Comfort
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
This Puritan virtue name is unstylish, but sympathetic and appealing, in these largely uncomfortable times.
- Blithe
Description:
Blithe is a delicate feminine name derived from the Old English word 'bliþe,' meaning 'happy,' 'carefree,' or 'joyful.' As a word-name that directly evokes a positive emotional state, it belongs to the category of virtue names that became popular during the Puritan era but has never been widely used. The name has a light, airy quality that suggests cheerfulness and optimism. Literary connections include Noël Coward's play 'Blithe Spirit,' which adds a sophisticated cultural reference. Though rare, Blithe has seen small increases in usage among parents seeking uncommon names with positive meanings. Its short, one-syllable pronunciation combined with the elegant spelling gives it a distinctive character that balances simplicity with refinement.
- Hardy
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"bold, brave"Description:
Hardy is a spirited and durable un-Germanic German surname that is starting to be used in this country.
- Illumination
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Illumination is a many-syllabled entrant in the new-fashioned virtue name group, but doesn't stand much chance of rivaling shorter choices like Hope and Faith.
- Bravery
Origin:
Virtue nameDescription:
This one's cutting right to the chase, but with such names as Justice and Peace on the rise, why not? And we guarantee your seven-year-old son will love it, though your 17-year-old, maybe not so much. Could be used as a middle name, as Talisa Soto and Benjamin Bratt did.
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