Girl · 378th of 27,321
Charity
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
35,458
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1975
Peak Popularity Year
1,428
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Charity stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name 'Charity' originates from the Latin term 'caritas', meaning love or benevolence. It evolved through various forms in the English language, reflecting its roots in Christian theology, where it signifies a deep, selfless love. The name carries a positive connotation in modern society, symbolizing kindness and generosity. Its biblical relevance is significant, as charity is considered a virtue in Christianity.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈtʃærɪti/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name 'Charity' is derived from the Latin word 'caritas', which means 'dear, valued, esteemed,' and is associated with the concept of love and benevolence.
Meaning
love, benevolence
Language Evolution
Caritas (Latin), Charitas (Late Latin), Charity (Middle English)
Biblical Background
In Christian theology, charity is often considered the highest form of love, reflecting the love of God for humanity.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 17th century, largely due to its association with Christian virtues.
Variants & Derivatives
Charitie, Charita, Charitae
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Charity is viewed positively, often associated with kindness and generosity.
Famous People
Charity Wakefield (actress), Charity Johnson (philanthropist)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,428 peak births in 1975
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 3 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 9 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 7360th of 10718 | 23 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 12589th of 16616 | 16 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 794th of 9107 | 1,509 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1178th of 9204 | 733 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1339th of 12526 | 1,129 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 345th of 19264 | 11,407 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 378th of 27321 | 10,709 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 631st of 35406 | 7,074 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1341st of 30306 | 2,091 |