Serenity is a modern English name derived from the word "serenity," which means "peaceful." It reflects a calm and peaceful disposition, originating from the Old French serenite and Latin serenitas/serenus, signifying "clear, fair." Primarily a female name of English origin, Serenity has gained popularity in the United States, ranking among the top 500 names for newborn girls since 2000 and reaching the top 100 between 2009 and 2022. Notably, it peaked in 2013 as the 52nd most popular name for American girls. The name's usage is more prevalent among whites in rural states and was among the top five names for girls born to Black mothers in Virginia in 2023. The name's rise may be attributed to the 2002 television series Firefly and its 2005 movie sequel, both featuring a spaceship named Serenity. Furthermore, its similarity in sound to the popular name Sarah and its ending in the letter y, akin to other 1990s popular names, may have contributed to its increased usage.