Find out how popular the first name Fate has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Fate by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Fate is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 54% of people named Fate being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 10 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Fate.

It's also interesting to see that despite Fate being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2023 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Fate.

The history of the first name Fate

The given name Fate originated from the Latin word "fatum," which means "that which has been spoken" or "that which has been decreed by the gods." It is derived from the verb "fari," meaning "to speak." This name has its roots in ancient Roman mythology and belief systems.

In Roman mythology, the Fates, also known as the Parcae, were three goddesses who controlled the thread of life for every mortal from birth to death. Their names were Nona (the spinner), Decima (the measurer), and Morta (the cutter). The concept of fate being determined by these powerful deities was central to Roman religious beliefs.

The earliest recorded use of Fate as a personal name dates back to the 16th century. One of the earliest known individuals with this name was Fate Douglas, born in Scotland in the late 1500s. However, the name remained relatively rare until the 19th century.

Notable historical figures with the given name Fate include:

1. Fate Marable (1890-1979), an American stagecoach driver and pioneer in the early 20th century American West.
2. Fate Norton (1873-1949), an American businessman and philanthropist from Ohio, who founded the Norton Company.
3. Fate Hendrix (1859-1939), an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Oklahoma in the early 20th century.
4. Fate Calcaterra (1910-1988), an American football player and coach, best known for his tenure as the head coach of the University of Kentucky football team from 1952 to 1957.
5. Fate Winslow (1810-1892), an American naval officer who served in the United States Navy during the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War.

While the name Fate has its origins in ancient Roman mythology, it has been used across various cultures and regions throughout history, often reflecting a belief in predestination or the idea of a predetermined path in life.

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 Fate was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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