I love the name [name_f]Charity[/name_f], I always have done. The sound is lovely, and it’s a lesser-known/used virtue name where I live, but it fits in rather sweetly next to the more common [name_f]Hope[/name_f], [name_f]Felicity[/name_f], [name_f]Grace[/name_f] and [name_f]Faith[/name_f].
The dictionary meaning of “charity” includes "kindness and tolerance in judging others", which is something I try to incorporate into my everyday life and my career regularly. Biblically speaking, “charity” resembles the highest form of love, or a love of humankind, which I also think is a wonderful sentiment.
Since it’s a virtue that I value so deeply, I’d love to use it as a name one day. [name_f]My[/name_f] biggest struggle is finding a middle name that matches [name_f]Charity[/name_f] in some way for me. [name_f]Every[/name_f] name I seem to pair with [name_f]Charity[/name_f] pales in comparison in some way.
So far I’ve thought of [name_f]Charity[/name_f] [name_f]Abigail[/name_f] (initials would be CAD), which I like, but I’m not sure I love, and [name_f]Charity[/name_f] [name_f]Sophia[/name_f], which is nice, but feels a bit bland, as I see [name_f]Sophia[/name_f] used an awful lot in the middle spot.
What middle names would you pair with [name_f]Charity[/name_f]? I can’t use [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f], [name_f]Amy[/name_f], [name_f]Tess[/name_f], [name_f]Nicole[/name_f], [name_f]Elise[/name_f], [name_f]Mary[/name_f] or [name_f]Mae[/name_f].
Have you considered using [name_f]Charity[/name_f] as a middle name? It is important to use caution when you name a child something related to personality traits because the child may not have the personality you want.
Or, if you really must use [name_f]Charity[/name_f], did you know that you don’t actually need to use a middle name? If every name pales in comparison to [name_f]Charity[/name_f], just not having a middle name is an option. Your kid can always legally change/add a middle name later if they choose.
I don’t know if caution is really necessary when the name refers to kindness? If it was [name_f]Faith[/name_f] or something else, then sure, but [name_f]Charity[/name_f] refers to being kind towards others, and I don’t think that’s something to really be concerned about. I have serious doubts that my child would be that horribly mean to people, and if they are, I think that’s more a reflection of my parenting skills than their name.
I did think about not using a middle name, but I feel like I really would rather use one.
So why do people name their child [name_f]Grace[/name_f]? What if their child is neither gracious or graceful?
And so what, if the child grows up and people do not describe her as ‘charitable?’ It’s an attribute we work towards every day.
I think the connotation depends on the interpreter. This name could very easily be seen as somebody who needs charity, not the act of giving charity. While I do not find shame in needing [name_f]Charity[/name_f], that is a common interpretation adds a homely twist to the name.
[name_f]Charity[/name_f] is also a common go-to “stripper” name. Along with [name_f]Bambi[/name_f] or [name_f]Heidi[/name_f]. Again, I do not find shame in the profession and do not agree with these names being used in a degrading way. However, I am not most people. And many people’s first associations with [name_f]Charity[/name_f] as a name is from exotica.
[name_f]Faith[/name_f] arguably has fewer negative associations as a name. [name_m]Even[/name_m] when people differ on the concept of faith, the name is still recognized as a name despite the meaning.
Ultimately it is your discretion to use the name. But there are negative associations out there for the name [name_f]Charity[/name_f].
I work in the non-profit sector and we really don’t use the term “charity” anymore. There’s too much stigma and derogatory comments surrounding “charity cases” for people who are receiving services.
Charity feels more negative than positive, as someone who hears the term at least once a day.
But I get if this isn’t something that would hold you back from using the name. It has a nice meaning, originally.
I totally get that the name can feel negative, and I don’t want to sound rude or anything, but I feel like the thread may have gone a bit off topic from what was asked, lol
All I was hoping for was some middle name ideas (and I will reply to the ones I have when I get home, it’s rather hard to quote on mobile) actually! I’m pretty solidly sold on the name and have been since I was a teenager, but thank you!
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I love [name_f]Charity[/name_f] [name_f]Rebecca[/name_f], [name_f]Charity[/name_f] [name_f]Florence[/name_f], [name_f]Charity[/name_f] [name_f]Isla[/name_f], [name_f]Charity[/name_f] [name_f]Jane[/name_f], [name_f]Charity[/name_f] [name_f]Ava[/name_f] and [name_f]Charity[/name_f] [name_f]Annabel[/name_f]!!