Declining since 2013, #2,017 for girls today.
Popularity of Temperance since 1916
Babies named Temperance per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 64 |
| 1980s | 73 |
| 1990s | 89 |
| 2000s | 378 |
| 2010s | 2,419 |
| 2020s | 681 |
Meaning & origin
Temperance is a rare virtue name with Puritan origins that has seen modest modern use. First recorded in the U.S. in 1916, the name experienced a notable peak in 2012, when it ranked highest among girls. Since 2013, its trajectory has been falling, but it remains in occasional use, especially in Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio. The name's strong association with the temperance movement gives it a distinct historical flavor, and its revival in the 2010s likely reflects a broader trend toward vintage and virtue names. While never common, Temperance offers a meaningful and unusual choice for parents seeking a name with moral resonance.
Temperance derives from the Latin 'temperantia', meaning moderation or self-control, and entered English via Old French. It was adopted as a virtue name by Puritans in the 16th and 17th centuries, along with other abstract qualities like Prudence and Charity. The name saw a revival in the 19th century linked to the temperance movement, which advocated for abstinence from alcohol.
Where Temperance is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Temp, Tempe, Percy
Variants: Temperancia
Sibling names for Temperance
Names that share Temperance's style, for a brother or sister.
