From the English word charity, ultimately derived from Late Latin caritas meaning "generous love", from Latin carus "dear, beloved". Caritas was in use as a Roman Christian name. The English name Charity came into use among the Puritans after the Protestant Reformation. Charity originates in Latin language and is taken from the word for benevolent caring and giving. Charity is one of the three theological virtues (together with Hope and Faith) and that is probably the reason why the name was more popular in Christian families. There was also a saint of the name, a Christian child martyr. In the United States, Faith and Hope have always been more popular than Charity.
Charity Related Names Variants: Charitee, Charitey, Caridad, Cherry
