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Charity
Pronounced CHEHR-uh-tee /ˈt͡ʃɛɹ.ə.ti/Medium
Meaning: Dearness, esteem, loveMedium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Charity is an English virtue name built on the ideas of dearness, esteem, and love. Like other names drawn from cherished qualities, it puts that meaning right on the surface, and it connects to the Spanish Caridad and the Norse-rooted Karítas, which carry the same loving sense.
Beyond the spiritual reading, the name has been worn by real achievers, such as Nigerian sprinter Charity Opara, who took a 4x400m relay silver at the 1996 Olympics. The shorter forms Carita and Karita keep the warmth while trimming the length.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Charity Opara (1972–present)Nigerian sprinter who won a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the 1996 Summer Olympics; her 400m personal best is 49.29.
Frequently Asked
What does the name Charity mean?
Charity is usually explained as meaning 'dearness, esteem, love' and is most often linked with English tradition.
How do you pronounce Charity?
It's commonly said CHEHR-uh-tee /ˈt͡ʃɛɹ.ə.ti/.
Is Charity a boy or girl name?
In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Charity is used as a girl name.
How popular is Charity?
In 2024, Charity ranked #2037 in the U.S. for girls, with 95 births recorded.