Declining since 1985, #1,981 for girls today.
Popularity of Charity since 1880
Babies named Charity per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 323 |
| 1890s | 400 |
| 1900s | 416 |
| 1910s | 658 |
| 1920s | 573 |
| 1930s | 385 |
| 1940s | 456 |
| 1950s | 519 |
| 1960s | 1,036 |
| 1970s | 9,718 |
| 1980s | 8,212 |
| 1990s | 4,980 |
| 2000s | 4,752 |
| 2010s | 2,383 |
| 2020s | 707 |
Meaning & origin
Charity is a classic virtue name that emerged among English Puritans in the 1500s, parallel to Faith, Hope, and Grace. Its popularity peaked in 1975, when it was most often given in states like Missouri, Michigan, and Georgia. Since 1985, its usage has been declining steadily, and by 2024 it ranked 1981st, a far cry from its mid-20th-century heyday. Despite its falling trajectory, Charity retains a warm, traditional feel and remains a meaningful choice for families drawn to its altruistic associations.
Charity derives directly from the Middle English charite, from Old French charité, and ultimately from Latin caritas, meaning 'dearness', 'love', or 'esteem'. In Christian theology, it became the virtue of selfless, unconditional love (agape). The name entered use among Puritans in the 16th and 17th centuries, following the pattern of virtue names like Faith, Hope, and Grace.
Where Charity is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cherry, Char, Cha, Cari
Sibling names for Charity
Names that share Charity's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Faith, Hope, Grace, Patience, Mercy, Chasity, Chastity, Cherish, Desire, Hester, Joi, Justice, Liberty, Promise, Prudence, Trinity, Amity, Blessyn, Fayth, Honesty, Jubilee, Justyce, Loyalty, Passion, Praise, Temple, Trinitee, Triniti, Vanity, Blessin, Chasiti, Chastidy, Cherrish, Divinity, Faithe, Faithlyn, Favour, Faythe, Lovette, Merci, Mercie, Promyse, Providence, Trynity, Blessen, Caress, Chasitie, Chassie, Envy, Faithann, Glorie, Glorious, Gracious, Holy, Honestee, Purity, Rejoice, Trinitie, Honestii, Wealthy, Blessence, Chassity, Gratia, Justiss, Loyalti, Prayer, Promiss, Sincerity, Temprence, Trinaty, Trinnity, Trinty
Brothers: John, James, Thomas, Joseph, Samuel, Loyal, Christ, Christain, Wisdom, Bless, Priest, Trust, Psalms, Righteous, Savior, Ascension, Godson, Pastor, Saviour, Welcome
Names like Charity
Names whose popularity has moved with Charity's over the last 50 years.
