Find out how popular the first name Righteous has been for the last 23 years (from 2001 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Righteous by gender

Based on the last 23 years of data, Righteous is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 84% of people named Righteous being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 19 male babies and 6 female babies born with the name Righteous.

The history of the first name Righteous

The name Righteous has its roots in ancient English language, derived from the Old English word "rihtwis," which means "just" or "upright." This name gained popularity during the medieval period, particularly among devout Christians who sought to embody the virtues of righteousness and moral uprightness.

Historically, the name Righteous was often bestowed upon individuals who were known for their pious and virtuous lives. In the Bible, the term "righteous" is used to describe those who follow God's commandments and live according to His will. As such, the name Righteous carried a strong religious connotation and was seen as a symbol of faith and moral integrity.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Righteous can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a collection of annals chronicling the history of the Anglo-Saxons. In this text, a man named Righteous is mentioned as a prominent figure in the year 798 AD, though details about his life and deeds are scarce.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Righteous. One such figure was Righteous Tyndale (c. 1494-1536), an English scholar and Bible translator who played a pivotal role in the Protestant Reformation. His translation of the Bible into English was a landmark achievement and paved the way for future translations.

Another prominent figure with the name Righteous was Righteous Anger (1705-1785), an English clergyman and author known for his fiery sermons and passionate writings on religious and moral topics. His works, including "The Necessity of Righteousness" and "The Virtues of the Righteous," were widely read and influenced many of his contemporaries.

In the 19th century, Righteous Truth (1812-1887) was a renowned abolitionist and civil rights activist who dedicated his life to the cause of abolishing slavery and promoting racial equality. His powerful speeches and writings inspired many to join the fight against injustice, and he is remembered as a pivotal figure in the abolitionist movement.

Righteous Justice (1920-1998) was a jurist and human rights advocate who played a significant role in the civil rights movement of the 20th century. As a judge, he made landmark decisions that helped to dismantle segregation and promote equal rights for all citizens, regardless of race or ethnicity.

While the name Righteous may not be as common today as it once was, it remains a powerful and meaningful name that carries a rich history and symbolizes the virtues of moral integrity, justice, and unwavering faith.

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

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

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