Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Chastity since 1969
Babies named Chastity per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 7 |
| 1970s | 4,350 |
| 1980s | 2,371 |
| 1990s | 1,802 |
| 2000s | 883 |
| 2010s | 273 |
| 2020s | 25 |
Meaning & origin
Chastity is a virtue name that entered the U.S. naming landscape in the late 1960s, first recorded in 1969. It reached its peak popularity in 1974, a time when virtue names like Faith, Hope, and Charity were well established. However, unlike those, Chastity has seen a steep decline in usage since 1985, and it has not ranked among the top 1000 names in recent years. The name is almost exclusively given to girls, though it has occasionally been used for boys. Chastity remains a distinctive choice, though its strong association with a specific moral value may limit its broad appeal.
Chastity is derived from the Old French 'chasteté' and Latin 'castitas', meaning 'purity'. The name first appeared in the 1960s as a virtue name, used by parents seeking a moral or religious meaning. It gained attention following the birth of Chastity Bono, daughter of Sonny and Cher, in 1969. Despite its strong association with a specific virtue, its usage has declined since the 1980s.
Where Chastity 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: Chas, Chasty, Tity
Sibling names for Chastity
Names that share Chastity's style, for a brother or sister.
