Temperance

Pronunciation: [ t-EHMP-er-uhns ]

Girl Name #2,113 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

A Puritan virtue reborn for the modern age

English American Puritan

Vintage Literary Sophisticated Classic Strong

Meaning & Origin

"balance, temperament"

Origin: Latin

Language: English

The Story of Temperance

Temperance is a virtue name derived from the Latin temperantia, meaning moderation, restraint, or balance — one of the four cardinal virtues alongside prudence, justice, and fortitude. The name was used by English Puritans in the 17th century who named children after virtues they wished them to embody. It fell out of use but has made a striking comeback among parents drawn to Victorian and Puritan-era names.

Temperance saw a major revival after the TV series Bones (2005-2017) featured forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Bones Brennan as its lead character, played by Emily Deschanel. The character's intelligence and independence made the name aspirational.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Temperance was strongly associated with the American temperance movement advocating for prohibition of alcohol. Today the name has shed that association and is appreciated purely for its vintage virtue-name elegance.

Fun Facts

Dr. Temperance Brennan is the protagonist of the long-running Fox TV series Bones, played by Emily Deschanel
Temperance was one of the four Cardinal Virtues in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy

Temperance in Other Languages

Latin Temperantia

French Temperance

English Temperance

Italian Temperanza

Spanish Templanza

Famous People Named Temperance

Temperance Lloyd

Other

1610

One of the last people executed for witchcraft in England in 1682, whose name has been historically documented

Temperance Brennan Fictional

Other

Lead character of the Fox TV series Bones (2005-2017), a brilliant forensic anthropologist played by Emily Deschanel

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #2,113
Total SSA Count: 90
Cultural Origins: English American Puritan
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Tempe Tempi Rance

Pairs Well With

Temperance Rose Temperance Jane Temperance Elizabeth Temperance Grace Temperance Anne Temperance Claire Temperance Elise

Sibling Names

Prudence Constance Jasper Atticus Imogen Phoebe

Similar Names

Florence Prudence Patience Clarence Terence Princess Precious Flor

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Temperance and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Temperance sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name

Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

🧝 Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
🐾 Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
🎭 Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres

Frequently Asked Questions About Temperance

What does the name Temperance mean?

"balance, temperament" (from Latin). Temperance is a virtue name derived from the Latin temperantia, meaning moderation, restraint, or balance — one of the four cardinal virtues alongside prudence, justice, and fortitude. The name was used by English Puritans in the 17th century who named children after virtues they wished them to embody. It fell out of use but has made a striking comeback among parents drawn to Victorian and Puritan-era names.

What is the origin of the name Temperance?

Temperance has Latin, English, American, and Puritan origins. In Latin, it means "balance, temperament".

Is Temperance a boy or girl name?

Temperance is primarily used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Temperance?

Temperance is pronounced t-EHMP-er-uhns.

How popular is the name Temperance?

Temperance is currently ranked #2113 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Temperance?

Common nicknames for Temperance include Tempe, Tempi, and Rance.

What are good middle names for Temperance?

Popular middle name pairings include Temperance Rose, Temperance Jane, Temperance Elizabeth, Temperance Grace, Temperance Anne, Temperance Claire, and Temperance Elise.

What are good sibling names for Temperance?

Names that pair well with Temperance as siblings include Prudence, Constance, Jasper, Atticus, Imogen, and Phoebe.

How many syllables does Temperance have?

Temperance has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Temperance a common or rare name?

Temperance is an uncommon name, ranked #2113 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Temperance

Temperance is a girl name with English, American, and Puritan origins . The name means "balance, temperament" in Latin .

Temperance is currently ranked #2,113 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Temperance has 3 syllables and is pronounced t-EHMP-er-uhns, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Temperance include Tempe, Tempi, and Rance. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.