"balance, temperament"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Temperance
Pronunciation: [ t-EHMP-er-uhns ]
Does Temperance flow with your last name?
A Puritan virtue reborn for the modern age
English
American
Puritan
Vintage
Literary
Sophisticated
Classic
Strong
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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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.
Historical Record
Temperance first appeared in US Social Security records in 1972.
Over 3,605 babies have been named Temperance in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Temperance is past its peak , currently ranked #2,113 for girl names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#2,113
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 2012
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Temperance
T
Temperance Lloyd
Other
1610
One of the last people executed for witchcraft in England in 1682, whose name has been historically documented
T
Temperance Brennan Fictional
Other
Lead character of the Fox TV series Bones (2005-2017), a brilliant forensic anthropologist played by Emily Deschanel
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Compare Temperance with:
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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Temperance
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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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.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis