Puritan Names

Because there are definitely changes in popularity for certain names, this may result in criticism of certain name selections by older generations or, less often, certain names falling into disrepute.  For example, Adolf and Elmer acquired some negative karma due to Hitler and Fudd.  Probably the name Monica will pass into disuse; not just because of that California city or St. Augustine's scolding mama!

Hollywood types and rockers often come up with original names for their children: Apple, Suri, Dweezil, Moon Unit, and so forth.

And some children have their names from place names, like Brooklyn, Portland,  or Boston; but hopefully not Cleveland or Omaha.

But we have the Puritans fathers and mothers to cite as the continuing source of odd inclusions.  Some, like Prudence, Joy, Faith, Hope, and Chastity have made the cut for names still occasionally used.  Somehow, some of the other virtues like Temperance, Fortitude, Silence, Mercy, Abstinence, and Amity only occasionally are cited.

But it's when Puritans go overboard, naming craziness can occur.  Thus, there were actual people named:

Through Many Tribulations We Enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Probably called Tribby for short.)
Die-Well
Humiliation
If-Christ-hadst-not-died-for-thee-thou-hadst-been-damned.  Praise God's Son Barebone (He changed his name to Nicholas Barbon.)
Fear-God Barebone
Sorry-for-sin
Fly-debate
No-merit
More-triale
Job-raked-out-of-the-ashes
Fly-fornication
Fight-the-good-fight-of-faith
Cotton Mather
Increase Mather

Increase Mather

Some names are surprising as originating from the Puritans: Abigail, Chloe, Dorcas.

In general, whatever your name is, be glad your parents weren't Puritans!