Find out how popular the first name Fontaine has been for the last 34 years (from 1974 to 2007) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Fontaine by gender

Based on the last 34 years of data, Fontaine is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 81% of people named Fontaine being male.

For the most recent data in 2007, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Fontaine.

The history of the first name Fontaine

The name Fontaine originates from the French language and can be traced back to the 12th century. It is derived from the Old French word "fontaine," which means "fountain" or "spring." The name likely originated as a descriptive surname for someone who lived near a fountain or spring.

In medieval France, surnames often arose from geographical features, occupations, or personal characteristics. The name Fontaine was likely initially used to identify individuals who lived near a notable fountain or spring, which were important sources of fresh water in those times.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Fontaine can be found in the 13th-century French epic poem, "La Chanson de Roland," which mentions a character named Fontaine. This suggests that the name was in use as a surname or descriptive name during the Middle Ages.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Fontaine. For example, Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695) was a celebrated French fabulist and one of the most widely read French poets of the 17th century. His fables, which often featured anthropomorphized animals, are still widely read and studied today.

Another famous bearer of the name was Françoise Fontaine (1667-1736), a French writer and playwright who wrote several plays and novels during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Her works often explored themes of love, marriage, and social critique.

In the 19th century, Eugène Fontaine (1824-1887) was a French architect and urban planner who designed several notable buildings in Paris, including the Palais Garnier (Paris Opera House) and the Hotel de Ville (City Hall).

More recently, Joan Fontaine (1917-2013) was an American actress who won an Academy Award for her role in the 1941 film "Suspicion." She was also known for her performances in several Alfred Hitchcock films, including "Rebecca" and "Vertigo."

Another notable bearer of the name was François Fontaine (1799-1838), a French artist and illustrator who is best known for his work on the French edition of "The Arabian Nights" and other illustrated books in the early 19th century.

While the name Fontaine has French origins, it has been adopted and used in various cultures and languages over the centuries, reflecting its rich history and the diverse individuals who have borne this name.

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

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

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