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

Popularity of Faye by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Faye is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 610 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Faye.

The history of the first name Faye

The name Faye originated from the Old French feminine name Fay, which derived from the Late Latin name Fata, meaning "fairy" or "fated one." This name has roots tracing back to the ancient Roman era, when the Fata Dea, or "Fated Goddesses," were deities who presided over a newborn child's destiny or fate.

In the medieval era, the name Fay became associated with the French fée, meaning "fairy." This connection likely arose from the belief that fairies had the power to influence a child's fate or fortune at birth. The name Faye emerged as a variant spelling of Fay during the 19th century.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Faye can be found in the 14th-century Middle English poem "Sir Orfeo," which references a character named Fay. In the 15th century, the name appeared in the historical records of England, referring to a woman named Faye Clopton, who lived from 1457 to 1528.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Faye. One of the earliest was Faye Howe (1620-1692), an English Puritan woman who immigrated to Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 17th century. Another prominent figure was Faye Emerson (1917-1983), an American actress and television host who rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s.

In the field of literature, Faye Weldon (born 1931) is a renowned British author and feminist writer, best known for her novels "The Life and Loves of a She-Devil" and "Praxis." The world of sports has also seen its share of notable individuals named Faye, such as Faye Dancer (1935-1986), an American golfer who won multiple LPGA Tour events in the 1950s and 1960s.

More recently, Faye Dunaway (born 1941) is a celebrated American actress who received an Academy Award for her performance in the 1976 film "Network." Her role as the iconic Bonnie Parker in the 1967 film "Bonnie and Clyde" also cemented her place in cinema history.

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

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

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