The TV series “Bones” was on the air from 2005 to 2017, though the most popular years were 2008-2011 (seasons four, five and six).
I’ve never seen the show, but the first names of the two main characters — Seeley Booth (male) and Temperance'”Bones” Brennan (female) — are intriguing, and they made me wonder: did Bones inspire parents to use these names more often for their babies?
Yup, it would seem so!
Here are the numbers for Seeley since 2005:
- 2018: 38 baby boys and 7 baby girls named Seeley
- 2017: 36 baby boys and 14 baby girls named Seeley
- 2016: 40 baby boys and 15 baby girls named Seeley [peak]
- 2015: 37 baby boys and 15 baby girls named Seeley
- 2014: 28 baby boys and 7 baby girls named Seeley
- 2013: 38 baby boys and 8 baby girls named Seeley
- 2012: 36 baby boys and 11 baby girls named Seeley
- 2011: 32 baby boys and 12 baby girls named Seeley
- 2010: 34 baby boys and 9 baby girls named Seeley
- 2009: 10 baby boys and 8 baby girls named Seeley
- 2008: unlisted
- 2007: 7 baby girls named Seeley
- 2006: unlisted
- 2005: unlisted
And here are the numbers for Temperance since 2005:
- 2018: 163 baby girls named Temperance
- 2017: 190 baby girls named Temperance
- 2016: 233 baby girls named Temperance
- 2015: 250 baby girls named Temperance
- 2014: 322 baby girls named Temperance [rank: 854th]
- 2013: 289 baby girls named Temperance [rank: 889th]
- 2012: 320 baby girls named Temperance [rank: 835th]
- 2011: 274 baby girls named Temperance [rank: 943rd]
- 2010: 213 baby girls named Temperance
- 2009: 165 baby girls named Temperance
- 2008: 88 baby girls named Temperance
- 2007: 76 baby girls named Temperance
- 2006: 20 baby girls named Temperance
- 2005: 8 baby girls named Temperance
I’m a bit surprised by Temperance. Short virtue names like Faith, Grace, Hope and Joy are alive and well, but most of the long virtue names — especially those like Temperance (e.g., Abstinence, Experience, Deliverance, Diligence, Innocence, Obedience, Perseverance, Providence, Reliance, Repentance, Silence) — are not. Only Patience, Constance and Prudence are still around, and they aren’t exactly stylish right now.
How do you feel about the name Temperance?
Sources: Bones (TV series) – Wikipedia, SSA
[Latest update: June 2020]
I think Temperance (at least as inspired by the show) is helped in that the character mostly goes by her nickname of “Tempe” – makes it feel much more youthful and less Puritanical.
I must say, I really love the name Temperance. There are certain people who are looking to unearth obscure names, and I find Temperance a perfect candidate for the top 1000. Now Abstinence and Obedience, on the other hand, while as a parent, I certainly wouldn’t discourage those qualities, I still wouldn’t expect my daughter to have to live with those names in these times. Can you imagine?
@Angie – Exactly. Silence as well. Names like those could be quite a burden.
Kristin, I think we might have seen different episodes? It seems to me like the only people on the show who call Temperance Brennan by a nickname are her family and people who have known her a very long time — generally she’s address and referred by her surname, full name, or “Bones.”
I’d actually be curious if there are girls named Brennan for the character.
@sarah – I just looked it up–Brennan is more common for girls that I would have guessed.
Here are the numbers for the 2000s:
2000 – 42
2001 – 60
2002 – 58
2003 – 41
2004 – 63
2005 – 47
2006 – 69
2007 – 100
2008 – 83
2009 – 86
2010 – 78
Usage predates the show, but the recent increase in usage could be due to the show.
Ooo I quite like both of these names.
I am one of those parents that chose temperance in 2009…. love the show since it started…
I can’t have children but if I could I would name my daughter Brennan , cuz BONES is one of my favorite shows.
I have a Seeley, and yes it was from watching Bones. :)