Popular among Puritans, virtue names have gained popularity in recent years. However, the traditional Puritan names may seem outdated, so we have brought some modern virtue names for babies. These names represent the quality you wish your child to possess. Moreover, they serve as an inspiration and allow your child to walk on the path of justice and morality. So, scroll down for our comprehensive list of virtue names. We have included the classic ones and a few modern monikers that we think would suit children today.
Key Pointers
- Virtue names can be traced back to the English protestants from the 16th and the 17th century also called Puritans.
- These names inspire little ones to walk on the path of morality and justice.
- Modern baby boy names, such as Aaron and Gabriel, are quite popular and hold significance in the Old Testament.
- Parents can also opt for single-syllable baby girl names, such as Grace, Hope, and Faith.
Virtue Names For Boys
Virtue names for boys offer a meaningful way to inspire strong values through something as simple as a name. Rooted in positive qualities and timeless ideals, these names reflect character traits parents hope their sons will carry through life.
1. Leon
Leon is a name of Greek origin and its literal meaning is ‘lion’ which comes from the word ‘Leo’. According to Greek Mythology, Leon was a giant who was finally killed by Heracles. The oldest historical figure to bear this name was Leon of Sparta known for his courage and valor.
2. Aaron
The name in the Old Testament means ‘The exalted one’. As described in the Bible, he was the older brother of Moses and was mentioned as his spokesperson in several gospels.
3. Noble
The name Noble means belonging to the aristocratic class or the nobility. The other meaning that is attached to this name is that of high moral principles or exceptional personal qualities in a person. Noble is a classic English surname, dating back to 1199 during the reign of Richard I, and is especially common in Edinburgh, Scotland. As a virtue name for baby boys, Noble represents qualities of honor, integrity, and high moral character—traits that reflect a life of respect and dignity.
4. Constance
The name Constance is a Latin name by origin, and it is kept as a name for boys. It exudes responsibility, loyalty and integrity and means to be ‘firm of purpose’ in Latin. Its other derivations can be Constancy from the Latin Constantia. Constance, a virtue name for baby boys symbolizing steadfastness and loyalty, draws from historical figures like Constance of Aragon, known for her unwavering dedication as Queen and regent in medieval Europe.
5. Gabriel
Gabriel is a given name which has its origin in the Hebrew name ‘Gabriel’ meaning ‘God is my strength’. It was popularized in the Old Testament of the Bible by the association with the Biblical archangel Gabriel. This elegant baby name is a symbol of purity and respect.
6. Joy
The given name has its origin in French. The meaning of the name is ‘rejoice’ and it was made popular in history by the American Puritans in the 17th century by the phrase, ‘Joy of the Lord’.
7. Caleb
Derived from Hebrew, the name Caleb means the ‘devotion of a dog’ or ‘to be bold’. It has a similar meaning to the word ‘Kelev’ which means ‘a dog’ in Hebrew. The story of Caleb begins in the book of Numbers, where he is chosen to scout the promised land of Canaan after the Israelites’ escape from Egypt. Representing the tribe of Judah, Caleb’s unwavering faith and courage make it a meaningful virtue name, symbolizing loyalty, bravery, and trust in God’s promise (1).
8. Noah
It is either a given name or a surname which has its origin in the biblical character of Noah. Noah is considered a virtuous baby name because he embodied righteousness and walked faithfully with God, standing out as blameless among his generation (2). The name symbolizes comfort, repose or rest and brings in a sense of stability in a person’s life.
9. Resolve
The meaning of the name is to end conflicts, be it of the mind or the heart. The name brings with it a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It also evokes a sense of optimism and adaptability, or flexibility.
10. Clarity
It is a very popular given name which has its roots both in French and in English. In both the languages the meaning of the name Clarity is ‘lucid’ or ‘clear’.
11. Regal
Regal has its origins in English and Latin. The name is associated with royalty and the ruling class signifying leadership and influence.
12. Isaac
The original meaning of the given name is ‘laughter’ or ‘hilarity’. In the Bible, Isaac reflects divine promise as his birth fulfilled God’s word to Abraham and Sarah against all odds. His name carries the virtue of trust in miracles and unwavering belief.
Did you know?13. Levi
The literary meaning of the name is ‘joining’ or ‘adhering’. In the Bible, Levi was the third son of Jacob and Leah, and the head of the priestly Levite tribe. This name may be associated with the qualities of teamwork and collaboration.
14. Seth
Seth means ‘appointed’. In the biblical texts, Seth was the third son of Adam and Eve. It is a sweet and down-to-earth name that sounds just right for your baby boy.
15. Solomon
The literary meaning of the name is ‘peaceful.’ In history and mythology, the name is famous because the son, the successor of King David, was known by this name, whose virtue was supreme wisdom.
Trivia16. Jesse
In Latin, the given name means a ‘gift’ or ‘wealth.’ In the Hebrew anthology, Jesse was the father of David, symbolizing legacy, humility, and strength, making it a virtuous baby name tied to noble roots. His role as a humble farmer and devoted father reflects values of hard work and faithfulness.
17. Nathan
In the Latin language, Nathan also means ‘a gift.’ The biblical story reveals that Nathan was the prophet who held David accountable for the death of Bathsheba’s husband.
Virtue Names For Girls
Virtue names for girls are more than just beautiful—they carry deep meanings that reflect qualities like grace, hope, and wisdom. Choosing a virtue name gives your daughter a lifelong reminder of the strength and values you wish for her.
18. Grace
It is an English baby name which was derived from the Latin word ‘gratia’ that means ‘God’s favor’. Grace is considered a virtuous baby name, symbolizing the Christian value of divine grace—one of the key theological virtues. Chosen by English Puritans, it reflects a deep hope for a life guided by kindness, mercy, and spiritual favor.
19. Verity
It is a female first name and a surname, both given to baby girls. As a first name, the meaning is derived from the Latin feminine noun ‘veritas, meaning ‘truth’. This name emerged in England as part of the Puritan and Quaker tradition of choosing virtue names, valuing traits like truthfulness as symbols of moral strength.
20. Honor
It is a Latin baby name whose literary meaning is ‘honor’. The baby girl’s name has an unyielding forbearance on their personality and principles of life.
21. Chastity
Most virtue names coincide with Victorian baby names and Chastity is one of them. It is derived from the Latin language. The meaning of the name is ‘purity’ or ‘innocence’.
22. Faith
The name has its roots in Latin, Fides, and the meaning of the name is ‘unquestioning belief in God’. The name Faith is considered a virtuous baby name because it reflects the core value of trust and belief, first popularized by the Puritans in the 17th century. Inspired by Saint Faith, it honors unwavering devotion and spiritual strength.
23. Hope
It is an English baby name that forms a part of one of the three Christian beliefs, that are Faith, Hope and Charity.
24. Destiny
It is most certainly an American baby name which symbolizes ‘certain fortune’ or a ‘bright fate’.
25. Prudence
It is a feminine given name that has its origin in Latin. The literary meaning of the name is ‘good judgment’.
26. Trinity
The origin of the name is in Latin, and it symbolizes the concept of ‘Three in One’ emphasized in the Bible. A name that stands for equality, unity, and diversity. Trinity is considered a virtuous baby name as it symbolizes the sacred unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, reflecting harmony, faith, and divine connection (3).
27. Peace
It is a Latin baby girl name. The meaning of the name is ‘tranquil’ or ‘serene’.
28. Amity
It is an English given name for girls which means ‘friendship’.
29. Mercy
Taken from the Latin word ‘merces’, the given name Mercy means ‘compassion’, ‘pity’, and ‘forgiveness’.
30. Delilah
It is a Hebrew baby girl name which means to be ‘amorous’. Though Delilah is known in the Bible for her role in Samson’s downfall, the name carries a sense of strength and allure, reminding us that virtue can also come from understanding resilience and the power of choice (4). This makes Delilah a meaningful, reflective baby name.
Did you know?31. Naomi
It is a Jewish name of Hebrew origin which means ‘pleasantness’ or ‘happiness,’ thus evoking a sense of enthusiasm.
32. Rebecca
It is an Aramaic baby name and in mythology, the name is associated with the ‘goddess of beauty’. Rebecca is known in the Hebrew Bible as the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau, embodying the virtues of kindness and devotion. As a baby name, it reflects a spirit of compassion and faithful love, making it a truly virtuous choice.
33. Temperance
Used as an archaic English word, it is a very popular virtue name for baby girls and means ‘restraint’ or ‘moderation’.
34. Patience
Here’s one of the most inspirational names for babies. It is an English word which has its roots in the Latin word ‘patiencia’ and the meaning of the name is to be ‘patient in the times of hardships and sufferings’.
35. Charity
It is an English baby name derived from the Old French word, ‘charite’ which means ‘to love’ and ‘to be compassionate towards other beings’.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can modern virtue names be used as middle names?
Yes, modern virtue names can be used as both first names and middle names. Some modern virtue names are even used as surnames.
2. How do I choose the right modern virtue name for my baby?
It is believed that a baby tends to imbibe the quality inherent to the meaning of the name. So, ensure that you pick a modern virtue name that stands for a quality you would want your child to possess.
3. What are the current trends in modern virtue names?
Modern virtue names are growing in popularity as parents seek meaningful names that embody positive qualities. Parents are now drawn to names with historical depth that also align with modern values, like inclusivity and individuality.
These popular modern virtue names for babies are derived from English and Latin languages, representing a positive characteristic trait. Boy names, such as Aaron, Issac, Nathan, and girl names, such as Grace, Mercy, and Rebecca, are classic yet also contemporary. By giving these names to your little ones, you can hope that they would bind to being responsible and imbibe good virtues. So, glance through this list of virtue names with their meanings and pick the name most suited for your little bundle of joy.
Infographic: Modern Virtue Names For Boys And Girls
Every parent would want their child to imbibe optimistic traits to shape them into good individuals. If you’re willing to inspire your baby to follow a righteous path, scroll through the infographic below for positive and virtuous names. Choose the best name for your bundle of joy! Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Popular And Modern Virtue Names For Baby Boys And Girls
Image: Dalle E/MomJunction Design Team
Virtue names instill justice and morality. Discover virtue names for babies that can inspire the child to uphold their rectitude for life.
References
- Who is Caleb in the Bible?
https://www.gotquestions.org/Caleb-in-the-Bible.html - Who was Noah in the Bible?
https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Noah.html - Trinity.
https://www.worldhistory.org/Trinity/ - Who was Delilah in the Bible?
https://www.gotquestions.org/Delilah-in-the-Bible.html
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