"In the world of baby names, few things are as exciting as a new trend. I personally couldn’t get enough of parents repurposing last names as first names or getting creative by using boy names for girls. It’s in these baby name trends that we see the personality of a generation really shine. Not to mention, the values and characteristics of a moment in time are captured in the baby names of that era.
Who knows if the Charlotte’s, Liam’s, Luna’s, and Theo’s will still be popular as the next generation starts welcoming more and more newborns. Odds are, they’ll have some of their own favorites to top the charts. And I have no doubt some new baby name trends will continue to emerge as the years pass by.
So, what’s the latest in the baby name world? Well, it’s something that’s both creative and heartfelt and something I simply can’t get enough of. They’re coined “virtue baby names.” Similar to occupational baby names we’re accustomed to—think Hunter, Parker, and Taylor—and also known as “grace baby names,” virtue names essentially take positive words and make them into baby names. Below, I’m diving deeper into the trend before sharing over 20 virtue baby names to consider for your own little one.
What are Virtue Names?
To put it simply, virtue names are exactly how they sound—they’re names that express a moral standard. Typically, parents will choose these types of names because they want the child to live up to that virtue. Selecting a baby name based off of its meaning is nothing new. However, using a meaning itself is growing in popularity.
Though these types of names are currently inching up the charts, the practice actually has an extensive history. Many believe the practice dates back to the early 1600s on the Mayflower. It was said that the Puritans—a religious reform movement from England—used “grace” baby names to encourage their kids to strive for moral goodness. Some of the most common options that are fairly common today include Grace and Hope. Less popular options include Perseverance, Humility, and Temperance. Back in the day, few even took the concept to the extreme. It’s noted that in 1653, a Preacher named Praise-God Barebone gave his son the mouthful name of If-Christ-Had-Not-Died-for-Thee-Thou-Hads’t-Been-Damned—he went by Nicholas.
While the practice of giving our kids an 11-word name has been put to rest, some virtue names still do have religious ties. Even the ones that don’t typically have the same goal of encouraging their little ones to live up to the name. Check out a few of our favorites to see if there’s one fitting for your little one.
Virtue Names for Girls
Blessing
Every child is a blessing, and this appropriate name made its way onto the list of the most popular girl names in 2019 and 2023.
Charity
Raising a child with a generous spirit is something no parent would say no to. If this is the ultimate goal for your little girl, consider gifting her this name, meaning “giving” or “kindness.”
Destiny
Everyone wants their kiddos to achieve their wildest dreams. That’s why this name, meaning “fate,” is a darling option for a little girl.
Faith
As a quintessential virtue name, Faith has long been a popular option. It holds the lovely meanings of “trust” and “devotion.”
Grace
Another popular option is Grace. This name is practically everything you could want for a little girl—”favor” and “blessings.”
Harmony
Because bringing home a little girl will make you sing out in joy, consider naming her Harmony. Ensure her life is filled with peace and agreement with the title, meaning “union.”
Joy
No matter what life throws her way, you’ll always hope she can find happiness in any situation. Remind your little girl to always seek happiness by giving her this name that means “great pleasure” and “happiness.”
Love
This name might remind millennials of the ’90s celebrity Jennifer Love Hewitt. However, Love wasn’t on the Social Security Administration’s most popular girl names until 2022.
Luxury
For a little one who appreciates the finer things in life, give her this name that holds the meaning of “extravagance” and “opulence.”
Mercy
Always showing “compassion” and “forgiveness” is what a little one named Mercy will be all about.
Prudence
Being “careful,” “thoughtful,” and “wise” are attributes Prudence will always carry with her.
Verity
People may assume you’re referencing the popular novel by Colleen Hoover, but there’s nothing wrong with that! Whether you’re an avid reader or not, this name, meaning “truth,” is an excellent option.
Virtue Names for Boys
Ace
You’re holding all the cards when it comes to selecting the perfect baby name. Why not give him this title that exudes confidence with the meaning of “one who excels” or “highest rank”?
Chance
Take a chance on selecting this name, and you’re sure to raise a little boy who always has “good fortune.”
Chosen
Hand-selected by loving parents, Chosen will always be the “object of divine favor.”
Creed
Coming from the Latin word “I believe,” a little one with this name has a strong built-in “guiding principle.”
Earnest
Sharing a moniker with the celebrated author Ernest Hemingway, a little one with this name will always show “sincere and intense conviction”—he may even write the next Great American Novel one day!
Justice
A perfect example of a virtue name, hopeful parents will anticipate their kiddo to grow up to behave “according to what is morally right.”
Loyal
There are few attributes that are as coveted as loyalty. One with this name will embody someone who is “reliable and always true.”
Noble
Fit for a young king in the making, little Noble will have “high moral principles and ideals.”
Summit
Because we want our children to achieve whatever they set their minds to, we can encourage them to reach for great heights. Ensure your little boy always dreams big by giving him this name, meaning “peak.”
True
Take a note from the Kardashian handbook by selecting this name used by Khloe for her child. While she uses it for her little girl, it’s a great gender-neutral option, meaning “genuine.”
Valor
A name that dates back to the Middle Ages is always a good option. This is especially true when it holds the meaning of “bravery” and “worthiness.”
Brett Nicole Hayden, Assistant Editor
As the Assistant Editor, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!