Find out how popular the first name Faith has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Faith by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Faith is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Faith being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,256 female babies and 12 male babies born with the name Faith.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 12 baby boys were named Faith in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Faith

The name Faith originates from the Latin word "fides" meaning trust, belief, or confidence. It stems from the root word "fid" which means to trust or have faith. The name first emerged in medieval Europe during the Middle Ages, around the 12th century.

Faith has its roots in Christianity and was initially a virtue name, representing one of the three theological virtues along with hope and charity. The name gained popularity among Christians who wanted to express their religious devotion and unwavering faith in God.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Faith can be found in the 16th century, when Faith Waldo, an English Protestant martyr, was burned at the stake in 1556 for her religious beliefs during the Marian Persecutions.

In the 17th century, Faith Robinson Trumbull (1718-1780) was a notable figure in colonial America, known for her role in establishing Yale College and her philanthropic efforts.

Faith Whittlesey (1939-2018) was an American diplomat and politician who served as the United States Ambassador to Switzerland from 1981 to 1988.

Faith Ringgold (born 1930) is an influential American artist and author, best known for her narrative quilts that depict stories of African American life and history.

Faith Hubley (1924-2001) was an American animator, writer, and director, renowned for her independent and experimental animated films that explored social and political themes.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who carried the name Faith, reflecting its deep-rooted connection to religious beliefs, unwavering trust, and personal convictions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Faith was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Faith, please contact us.

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