Rising since 1994, #4,661 for girls today.
Popularity of Purity since 1991
Babies named Purity per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 16 |
| 2000s | 96 |
| 2010s | 135 |
| 2020s | 132 |
Meaning & origin
Purity entered the U.S. baby name scene in 1991, much later than other virtue names like Grace (recorded since the 1600s) or Faith (1880s). According to Social Security data, it has been steadily rising since 1994, reaching its peak rank of 4,661 in 2025, with about 1 in every 55,423 newborn girls receiving the name that year. Its highest concentration is in Texas, reflecting a pattern among virtue names in the American South. As a modern coinage, Purity lacks the historical weight of older virtue names but offers a direct, unembellished meaning that appeals to parents seeking a transparent name with spiritual resonance. The trajectory suggests ongoing but modest growth, and its future may depend on cultural shifts in naming aesthetics.
Purity is a modern English virtue name derived from the Latin word 'puritas' via Old French 'purite'. It emerged in the late 20th century among the trend of abstract virtue names like Grace, Hope, and Faith. Unlike those earlier adoptions, Purity entered U.S. records only in 1991 and gained gradual use within English-speaking Christian communities.
Where Purity is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Purity” around the world
Where Purity lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Pur, Puri, Rity
Sibling names for Purity
Names that share Purity's style, for a brother or sister.
