Faye
Fairy, loyalty — a girl name of English origin
Popularity of Faye in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Faye
Faye has dual origins, deriving from both the Middle English word "faie" meaning "fairy" and the Old French "fei" meaning "faith" or "loyalty." The name carries an enchanting, otherworldly quality that connects it to the fairy tradition of English and Celtic folklore. Morgan le Fay, the powerful enchantress of Arthurian legend, is perhaps the most famous association. Faye emerged as a given name in the 19th century and gained Hollywood glamour through actress Faye Dunaway in the 1960s and 70s. Its brevity, elegance, and magical undertones have made it increasingly popular as both a first name and a middle name.
Faye Around the World
Faye is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Faye
Famous People Named Faye
- Faye Dunaway — American Academy Award-winning actress
- Faye Wong — Chinese singer and actress
- Faye Wattleton — American reproductive rights activist
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Sibling Name Ideas for Faye
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Faye mean?
Faye is a girl name of English origin meaning "Fairy, loyalty." Faye has dual origins, deriving from both the Middle English word "faie" meaning "fairy" and the Old French "fei" meaning "faith" or "loyalty." The name carries an enchanting, otherworldly quality that connects it to the fairy tradition of English and Celtic folklore.
How do you pronounce Faye?
Faye is pronounced FAY. Common variations include Fay, Fae, Fei.
Is Faye a girl name?
Yes, Faye is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Fay, Fifi.
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