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. 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—think Hunter, Parker, and Taylor—and also known as “grace baby names,” virtue names essentially take positive words and make them into baby names. Some of the most common options today include Grace and Hope, while virtue names like Saint, Love, and Serenity are becoming more popular. Keep scrolling to find over 50 virtue baby names for boys and girls, to consider for your own little one.
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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. While Grace and Hope have remained popular for decades, rarer 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.
Popular Virtue Names
Angel
The phrase “my little angel” will be even more special with this name. The name Angel is of Greek origin and means “divine messenger” or “messenger of God.” While a more popular virtue name for boys, parents of baby girls could also consider Angela or Angelina.
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.
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.
Faith
As a quintessential virtue name, Faith has long been a popular option. It holds the lovely meanings of “trust” and “devotion.”
Felicity
Bestow “good fortune” on a new little girl with this pretty virtue name that ends in “y.” Not to mention the name has a nostalgic tie to one of the original American Girl dolls, Felicity Merriman.
Grace
Another popular option is Grace. This name is practically everything you could want for a little girl—”favor” and “blessings.”
Hope
Say your girl’s name and instantly get a sense of hope. This sweet name is perfect if you’ve been hoping for a baby girl or simply hope the best for her.
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.”
Miracle
Bringing a new bundle of joy into the family is a beautiful miracle to witness. How special is it to bring your very own miracle into the world? It’s even more reason to name your baby Miracle.
Legacy
Need ideas for a legacy name that can be passed down from generation to generation? Then why not name your baby boy or girl Legacy? The name Legacy means “a long-lasting impact” and “something handed down.”
Legend
This strong boy’s name is of Latin origin and means “story” or “story to be told.” Who wouldn’t want to hear all the wonderful stories about someone who was the “legend” in the family?
Serenity
If you’re looking for an elegant baby name, add the name Serenity to the top of your list, which means “tranquil,” “calm,” and “peaceful.”
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.”
Unique Virtue Names
Annora
While the name may now be associated with the Oscar-winning movie Anora, it’s a timeless virtue name for girls with Latin roots, meaning “honor.”
Bliss
A little one can bring pure joy to the family. The name Bliss means “perfect joy.” Spell this sweet name as Blyss, Blysse, or Blisse.
Blythe
This vintage virtue name for girls means “happy” or “cheerful.” Both are admirable traits for your little one.
Chosen
Hand-selected by loving parents, Chosen will always be the “object of divine favor.” This name was only recently added to the SSA’s list of the most popular baby names in 2022.
Journey
Starting a family can be quite a journey. And with a name like Journey, give your son or daughter a name that symbolizes resilience and adventure.
Jubilee
Welcoming the newest addition to the family is a reason to celebrate, so you can consider naming a baby girl Jubilee. You can’t help but smile when you hear this joyous name!
Merit
Meaning “worthy” and “valuable,” this gender-neutral baby name is one to add to your baby names list. Your baby will always know he or she is deserving of all the positive things that come their way.
Prudence
Being “careful,” “thoughtful,” and “wise” are attributes Prudence will always carry with her.
Serene
Of Latin origin, the name Serene means “peaceful” and “calm.” This name brings a peaceful vibe just by saying it.
Solace
The name Solace means “to give comfort in times of sadness.” No matter what life throws at you, know that your little bundle of joy will always be a source of solace.
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.
Strong Virtue Names
Atreus
A Greek baby name meaning “brave,” Atreus has also become a more popular pick in recent years, making it to the SSA’s list of the most popular boy names in 2019.
Creed
Coming from the Latin word “I believe,” a little one with this name has a strong built-in “guiding principle.”
Honor
If you’re looking for a name that means “integrity” or “dignity,” look no further than the name Honor.
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.”
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 one always dreams big by giving them this name, meaning “peak.”
Valor
A name that dates back to the Middle Ages is always a timeless option. This is especially true when it holds the meaning of “bravery” and “worthiness.”
Soft and Gentle Virtue Names
Amore
Want an elegant and meaningful moniker for your new baby? The name Amore means “love” in Italian.
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.”
Cherish
Your little love will never question how much you cherish them with this name. Cherish means “to hold dear” and “treasure.”
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!
Foster
If you’re looking for a cute and nurturing name, then name your baby boy Foster, which means “caretaker” and “nurturer.”
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.”
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.
Mercy
Always showing “compassion” and “forgiveness” is what a little one named Mercy will be all about.
Patience
May your baby girl always be patient and kind. This is a great name to add to the lineup if you love the names Grace and Harmony.
Modern Virtue-Inspired Names
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”?
Benevolence
If you want a baby name that has a lot of meaning, then you can’t go wrong with the name Benevolence, which means “kindness.” Call her Benny for short.
Ever
Let your little one know that you will always love them by naming them Ever. This adorable virtue name means “always” and “eternity.” For a girl, you may also want to consider the name Everly.
Glory
Some may consider being a parent to be the highest honor. And by giving your baby a name that means just that, they’ll know what an honor it is to be their mom or dad.
Haven
This beautiful girl’s name means “place of safety” and “refuge,” symbolizing protection and comfort. How sweet?
Loyal
There are a few attributes that are as coveted as loyalty. One with this name will embody someone who is “reliable and always true.”
Sage
This short and sweet baby name for boys or girls means “a person with wisdom.” Spell this name as Saje or Saige.
Saint
This name is perfect if you’re on the hunt for a cool boy name. The name Saint means “holy one” and is of Latin origin.
Sunny
Give your baby a summer-inspired name! It’s the most adorable name for someone who brings sunshine and cheer wherever they go.
Zeal
Meaning “great energy” or “enthusiastic,” a little one named Zeal will give off all the positive vibes that are bound to be magnetic.
Zen
Have a little zen in your life by naming your baby Zen. Zen is of Japanese origin and means “meditation.”
Brett Nicole Hayden, Former Assistant Editor
As a former Assistant Editor, Brett worked 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 a baby names and family movies expert!
Patty Schepel, Associate Editor
As the Associate Editor, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, editing freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom.
