Virtue Names

Like Verity and Amity, this inclusive virtue name used by the colorful British literary Mitford family is ready to join its more popular peers Hope, Faith, and Grace.

Peace may be an admirable sentiment to convey in a child's name, but the translated and thus more subtle versions, like Pax or Placido, might work better as first names.

A warm-sounding word and virtue name used by the Puritans and still popular in parts of Africa, especially in the Favour spelling.

Blessed and Blessing are two new entrants in the word name and virtue name categories, gaining popularity for both boys and girls.

As dated as Merry and Gay.

We are more than a bit surprised this name is as used as it is.

It may have been used by the Puritans, but any modern child would chafe under this name.

One Puritan virtue name unlikely to thrive in the 21st century.

Spiritual word names are becoming more and more popular – think Peace, Bodhi, Zen and Psalm – and Spirit is among the rarer options, given to a couple dozen baby girls each year in the US. It's the name of the horse in the kids' TV show Spirit.

No one will ever forget it. But Remember as a name came over on the Mayflower, so it has deep history as well as modern potential.

This Puritan virtue name may be unstylish, but it is also sympathetic and appealing in these largely uncomfortable times.

No low self-esteem for this kid, or so his parents hope.

Generally used in conjunction with another name to form a religious phrase -- for instance the daughter of rapper DMX is called Praise Mary Ella.

Tahira is a pretty Arabic virtue name, unusual yet accessible.

A would-be up-and-comer if it wasn't for the spiked seltzer brand.

Like Justice and Peace, this word name makes a very strong statement. Ving Rhames chose it for his boy.

With its ties to tranquil Walden Pond, and harmonious meaning, this could be a modern virtue name.

One of the newest virtue names, given to only a handful of baby girls in the most recent year on record.