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Virtue Names for Boys

Deleted User
By Deleted User
Updated Wed Apr 13 2022
Virtue names have always been popular for girls with choices like Patience and Hope. The options for boys are fewer and a little more unusual, but could make for a meaningful name.
  1. August

    • Origin:

      German form of Latin Augustus

    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"

    • Description:

      The name August is at its highest point since the 1890s, when it ranked among the Top 100 boy names in the US – and deservedly so. With its great meaning, historic roots, and cool nicknames, 2024 saw August officially re-enter the Top 100.
  2. Victor

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "conqueror"

    • Description:

      Victor is one of the earliest Christian names, borne (as Vittorio) by several saints and popes, symbolizing Christ's victory over death. It has been quietly in the Top 200 since 1880, but just recently has taken on a cool edge by fashionable parents in London and seems ripe for a similar reevaluation here too.
  3. Sage

    • Origin:

      English botanical name and Latin

    • Meaning:

      "wise and knowing"

    • Description:

      A modern, multifaceted name, Sage is short, sweet, and strong. A unisex possibility, it is also a virtuous word name associated with wisdom, and a nature name linked to a fragrant herb.
  4. Clement

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "mild, merciful"

    • Description:

      Clement, the name of fourteen popes and several saints, has a pleasantly, positive, slightly antiquated feel, like the phrase "clement weather."
  5. Loyal

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "faithful, loyal"

    • Description:

      Loyal is one of the few virtue names suitable for boys, an honorable and principled Boy Scout-esque appellation with a surprisingly long and distinguished history.
  6. Will

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of William

    • Meaning:

      "resolute protector"

    • Description:

      Will has definitely replaced Bill, not only as a nickname for William but as a stand-alone name as well, partly thanks to England's Prince William, also known as Wills. Currently outside the Top 1000 in the US and the UK, it wouldn't feel totally out of style.
  7. Reason

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "a statement offered in explanation or justification"

    • Description:

      Provocative word name that may strike the right chord for an adventurous baby namer.
  8. Noble

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "aristocratic"

    • Description:

      With parents beginning to show an interest in virtue names for boys, this Puritan favorite just might be revived, for what could be more admirable than nobility in terms of having strength of character, dignity, and high moral ideals?
  9. True

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Meaning:

      "true"

    • Description:

      Many parents seeking a return to more basic values and a simpler lifestyle are turning to such virtuous girls' names as Grace, Faith, and Hope, but there are a handful that work just as well on boys, including True.
  10. Justice

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "the quality of being just, impartial, or fair"

    • Description:

      Justice, one of the rare virtue names for boys, entered the popularity ranks in 1992, and has remained on the list ever since. Parents' search for names implying virtue has led to a mini-revival of this long-neglected name in both its German homonymic form, Justus, and as the word itself. Steven Seagal was ahead of the curve when he used it back in 1976.
  11. Valor

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Meaning:

      "courage and bravery"

    • Description:

      This modern virtue name gives a nod to ancient chivalry and could also work as an updated form of the classic Victor. A bold choice, but one that an increasing number of parents have been making in the last decade.
  12. Harbor

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      If you like names that are not really names -- some say, the wave of the future -- Harbor has an attractive sound as well as an appealing meaning and image.
  13. Zen

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "meditation"

    • Description:

      A spiritual word name used by actor Zoe Saldana for her son as well as more recently Nick Cannon and Alyssa Scott for their late son. Zen has been trending in recent years along with other spiritual names such as Bodhi and Zion, and recently entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2022.
  14. Valiant

    • Origin:

      English word name from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "brave"

    • Description:

      While still very rare, the name Valiant was given to six baby boys in the US last year. And it's an inspiring choice.
  15. 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.

  16. Prosper

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "favorable, prosperous"

    • Description:

      In France, pronounced PRO-spare, Prosper is a fairly common name; here it presents a worthy aspirational message for a child.
  17. Sincere

    • Origin:

      English, Word name

    • Meaning:

      "honest, genuine, and heartfelt"

    • Description:

      Reminiscent of Puritan and Pilgrim name choices, Sincere is a relatively modern virtue name that has been in the US Top 1000 since the 2000s.
  18. Concord

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  19. Hardy

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "bold, brave"

    • Description:

      Hardy is a spirited and durable un-Germanic German surname that is starting to be used in this country.
  20. Hero

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "demi-god"

    • Description:

      Though the mythological Hero was female, this name might prove too big a responsibility for a little guy to shoulder.