Chastity

Meaning of Chastity

Rooted in the Latin castitas, the feminine given name Chastity evokes an enduring ideal of moral purity, tracing its semantic lineage to classical antiquity where it denoted a philosophical aspiration toward inner integrity. Its emergence as a virtue name in English-speaking contexts—particularly among Puritan communities of the seventeenth century—reflects a broader tendency to imbue personal names with ethical signifiers. Pronounced CHAS-ti-tee (/ˈtʃæs.tɪ.ti/), the trisyllabic structure balances crisp consonantal onsets with a gentle vowel progression, yielding a cadence that is simultaneously assertive and lyrical. Analytical examination of Pennsylvania birth records from 1972 through 2004 reveals a modest yet persistent presence: annual occurrences rarely exceeded fifteen, with rank positions fluctuating between 177 and 210, underscoring its status as a distinctive choice amid evolving naming trends. While its literal meaning venerates self-restraint, contemporary bearers often reinterpret Chastity as a symbol of personal authenticity and inner strength, demonstrating how a name steeped in classical virtue can continue to resonate within modern cultural narratives.