updated Sept 2015
Serenity ~ Peaceful, Serene ~ English
Why We Love Serenity
Ten years ago, no one would have guessed that the name Serenity would be so popular today. The girls' name rose from the bottom of the list to its current standing in the top 100 in a matter of years, making it a true Cinderella story in the world of baby names. Not even in early American history, when virtue names like Grace, Charity, and Prudence were being used by Puritans, was this name a top choice. The first time it appeared on our name records was in 1997, but it was still barely in use at number 979. Since then, the name has never lost momentum.
So what inspired us to begin using the name? It's hard to know where to begin. I believe Serena Williams, who made headlines along with her twin beginning in 1999 is a valid reason. Serena is a variation of Serenity, which may have influenced parents enough for Serenity to jump more than 300 spots that year. Another reason may be the name of the beautiful estate that Britney Spears purchased for her mother and family: Serenity. But perhaps the most influential factor was the fictional spaceship, Serenity, introduced in the short-lived t.v. series Firefly in 2002. Later, when a movie based on the t.v. series was released in 2005, the name of the spaceship took the title instead of the series name.
Whatever the inspiration behind the choice, parents love the name because it's got a beautiful sound and meaning. Virtue names are gaining popularity for their inspirational meanings and old-fashioned appeal, and few sound as sweet as Serenity. Another thing the name has going for it is the wisdom of the Serenity Prayer, which far overshadows the albeit hilarious but less-helpful use of the cry "Serenity now!" from George on Seinfeld.
Popularity
For 2014, Serenity ranked at 60. It's getting quite comfy in the top 1,000 girls' names near the 50-60 mark.
- Variations: Serena, Serene, Sera
- Similar names: Felicity, Eternity, Serendipity
I usually have a soft spot for virtue/word names, but this is not one of them. I should like this. I mean, it has a pleasant sound and pleasant associations, but something stops me from liking it. I don't know what it could be.
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