Virtue Names

Able takes this name in the direction of the word denoting someone capable and handle, and that is not a bad way to go.

Clarity is one of the lightest of the newly rediscovered virtue names, with a bit of three-syllable sparkle, old-fashioned charm and a clear vision for the future. Clarity is a very desirable quality in this confusing world and it also, unlike some other newly coined word names, has real meaning and history as a name.

Fortitude is the kind of virtue name the Puritans favored, but would not be easy for a modern boy to carry. Stick with something a little simpler than Fortitude, like Justice or True.

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

Sympathetic new twist on a Puritan virtue name.

The mythical daughter of Eros and Psyche becomes a modern-sounding word name. Danger: could be seen as X-rated.

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.

The Puritans used it as a virtue name -- but today it would just be considered weird: silence is no longer golden.

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

Could be an unconventional route to Theo.

Might have a shot as a name, à la Genesis and Destiny, if it weren't for yet another perfume connection.

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

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

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

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

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

Sounds pretty. But pretentious.

Experience is a word name used by the New England Puritans but probably too joke-worthy for a modern child...or teenager. It does not have as direct a biblical reference as most Puritan names.

As dated as Merry and Gay.