A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Fauna since 1967
Babies named Fauna per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 35 |
| 1980s | 59 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 28 |
| 2020s | 50 |
Meaning & origin
Fauna is a rare and nature-inspired name with Latin roots, first recorded in the United States in 1967. It has never been a common choice, with its highest rank of 8,860 in 2025 and a peak year of 1978, when it saw a modest uptick in usage. Since 2012, the name has been slowly rising in popularity, reflecting a growing interest in mythological and nature-related names. The name is ultimately derived from Roman mythology, where Fauna was a goddess of fertility and the forest, and from the Latin word 'fauna,' meaning animal life. While still unusual, Fauna carries a distinctive, earthy appeal and is sometimes chosen by parents seeking a name that is both classic and unconventional.
The name Fauna derives from Roman mythology, where Fauna was a goddess associated with fertility, animals, and the forest. It is the feminine counterpart of Faunus. The word 'fauna' (the animal life of a region) was later coined by Linnaeus in the 18th century, but the name itself was used in antiquity. Fauna has occasionally been used as a given name in English-speaking countries since the mid-20th century, reflecting a broader trend of nature-inspired names.
Sibling names for Fauna
Names that share Fauna's style, for a brother or sister.
