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

Popularity of Temperance by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 99 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Temperance.

The history of the first name Temperance

The name Temperance has its origins in the Late Latin word "temperantia," which means moderation, restraint, or sobriety. This word is derived from the Latin verb "temperare," meaning to temper or moderate. The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages as a virtue name, reflecting the Christian ideal of self-control and moderation.

In the early 14th century, the name appeared in the literary work "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer, where one of the characters was named Temperance. This suggests that the name was already in use during that time period in England.

The name Temperance also has strong associations with the Temperance Movement, a social movement that advocated for moderation or complete abstinence from alcoholic beverages. The movement gained momentum in the 19th century, particularly in the United States and parts of Europe.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Temperance was Temperance Flowerdew, an English colonist who was born in 1609 and was among the first women to arrive in Virginia Colony. Another notable historical figure with this name was Temperance Wickham Holt (1805-1868), an American educator and women's rights advocate.

In the 18th century, Temperance Lloyd (1738-1776) was a Welsh diarist and writer who kept a detailed journal of her life in Philadelphia during the American Revolutionary War. Her diary provided valuable insights into the daily lives of Quakers during that period.

During the 19th century, Temperance Billique (1814-1889) was a Mohawk writer and activist from Kahnawake, Quebec, Canada. She was known for her advocacy for the rights of Indigenous peoples and her efforts to preserve Mohawk language and culture.

Another notable figure was Temperance Brennan (1825-1868), an American schoolteacher and activist who was involved in the anti-slavery and women's suffrage movements. She co-founded the Women's Loyal National League during the American Civil War to support the Union cause.

The name Temperance has a rich history, reflecting ideals of moderation, self-control, and virtue. While its popularity has waned in recent times, it remains a unique and meaningful name with deep historical roots.

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

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

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