The Name Temperance: Origin, Meaning, and Popularity

Temperance is a beautiful and meaningful female name with strong ties to virtue and moderation. This name has a rich history and continues to hold appeal for parents seeking a unique, old-fashioned choice for their daughter.

Origin and Meaning

The name Temperance originates from the Latin word "temperantia," meaning self-control, restraint, or moderation. It is one of the four classical cardinal virtues, representing the ability to control one's desires and impulses. The name reflects the qualities of balance, restraint, and self-discipline.

Variations and alternate spellings of Temperance include Temprence, Temperentia, and Tempranilla. However, the standard spelling "Temperance" is by far the most common.

Popularity and Notable Name Bearers

Temperance has been a relatively uncommon name in modern times, ranking outside the top 1,000 names for girls in the United States. In 2022, it ranked #1,678 in popularity, with 5 girls given the name that year.

Despite its rarity, Temperance has been borne by a few notable real-life figures throughout history. One of the most famous is Temperance Brennan, the protagonist of the Bones television series and book series. Temperance Flogger was an English Quaker and temperance reformer in the 19th century. However, it is difficult to confidently confirm other famous individuals with this name.

Style and Appreciation

Temperance is considered a classic, old-fashioned name with an elegant and virtuous feel. It appeals to parents drawn to virtue-based names or those seeking a unique vintage option for their daughter. The name has a refined, almost academic quality, suggesting intelligence and self-control.

Temperance is a name that projects positive attributes like discipline, moderation, and restraint. It conveys a sense of strength of character and moral fiber. Parents who choose Temperance likely hope to imbue their child with these admirable qualities.

Name Flow and Combos

Temperance has a lovely flow and rhythm, pairing well with many middle and last names. Some complementary pairings include:

• Temperance Grace
• Temperance Rose
• Temperance Jane
• Temperance Elizabeth
• Temperance Avery

For siblings, names that could coordinate nicely with Temperance include other virtue-based names like Justice, Charity, or Serenity, as well as classic choices like Josephine, Evelyn, or Theodore.

Cultural and Literary References

The name Temperance has strong associations with the temperance movement, a 19th-century social movement that advocated for the abstinence from alcohol. Temperance societies and reformers played a significant role in shaping public opinion and eventually leading to the Prohibition era in the United States.

In literature, the name Temperance appears in several works, including works by Walt Whitman and Charles Dickens. Temperance is also considered one of the four cardinal virtues in Catholic theology, representing the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasure and provides balance in the use of created goods.

Conclusion

Temperance is a refined and virtuous name with a rich history and meaningful associations. Parents drawn to classic, old-fashioned names or those with a moral or ethical edge may find Temperance a compelling option for their daughter. While not a common name today, it offers a distinctive choice that celebrates the admirable qualities of self-control and moderation.

If you're considering Temperance, you may also be interested in names like Serenity, Prudence, or Harmony - other virtue-based choices that share a similar elegant and principled style.