Find out how popular the first name Chastity has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chastity by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Chastity is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Chastity.

The history of the first name Chastity

The name Chastity has its origins in the Latin word "castitas", which means purity or virtue. It first emerged as a name during the Middle Ages, when chastity was considered a highly prized virtue, particularly for women.

In the medieval Christian tradition, chastity was often associated with religious devotion and the renunciation of worldly desires. Many religious figures and saints were celebrated for their chaste lifestyles, which may have contributed to the popularity of this name.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Chastity can be found in the 13th-century poem "The Romance of the Rose", where a character named Chastity personifies the virtue of purity. This literary reference suggests that the name was already in use as a symbolic name during this time period.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Chastity. One of the most famous was Chastity Aylmer (c. 1575-1645), an English gentlewoman known for her involvement in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Despite her name, she played a role in the failed attempt to assassinate King James I and overthrow the Protestant government.

Another notable Chastity was Chastity Bono (born 1969), the daughter of famous entertainers Sonny and Cher. Initially named Chastity Sun Bono at birth, she later transitioned and changed her name to Chaz Bono, becoming an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

In the 17th century, Chastity Fletcher (c. 1632-1692) was a Quaker preacher and author in England, known for her religious writings and advocacy for women's rights within the Quaker community.

The name Chastity was also borne by Chastity Phillipps (c. 1645-1711), an English philanthropist and benefactor who supported various charitable causes during her lifetime.

Lastly, Chastity White (1861-1944) was an American educator and activist who founded several schools for African American children in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making significant contributions to the advancement of education for marginalized communities.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Chastity was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Chastity, please contact us.

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