Find out how popular the first name Cherity has been for the last 40 years (from 1974 to 2013) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cherity by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Cherity is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2013, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Cherity.

The history of the first name Cherity

The name Cherity is an English variant of the more common name Charity, which has its origins in the Latin word "caritas," meaning "love" or "affection." The name was likely first used in English-speaking regions during the Middle Ages, when the concept of charity, or selfless love and concern for others, was a central tenet of Christian teachings.

In the early days of Christianity, the word "caritas" was often used to refer to the virtue of charity, which was considered one of the three theological virtues, along with faith and hope. The name Cherity, therefore, would have been associated with these ideals of compassion, generosity, and a willingness to help those in need.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Cherity can be found in the English Parish Registers from the 16th century. For example, a record from the parish of St. Mary's in Islington, London, mentions a Cherity Smythe who was baptized in 1587.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Cherity. In the 17th century, Cherity Bunbury (1630-1692) was an English landowner and philanthropist who founded a school for underprivileged children in Suffolk.

In the 19th century, Cherity Galloway (1815-1888) was an American educator and abolitionist who established one of the first schools for African Americans in Mississippi.

Another notable figure was Cherity Witherspoon (1872-1948), a Scottish suffragette and campaigner for women's rights, who played a significant role in the Women's Social and Political Union's efforts to secure voting rights for women in the United Kingdom.

In the field of literature, Cherity Brooke (1901-1982) was an American novelist and short story writer whose works often explored themes of love, family, and the complexities of human relationships.

Lastly, Cherity Hollins (1925-2003) was a renowned American jazz singer and pianist who performed with some of the greatest names in jazz, including Dizzy Gillespie and Art Blakey.

While the name Cherity may not be as common today as its more widely recognized variant, Charity, it has a rich history and a connection to the ideals of love, compassion, and a commitment to helping others.

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 Cherity was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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