A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Fawn since 1900
Babies named Fawn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 6 |
| 1910s | 92 |
| 1920s | 127 |
| 1930s | 84 |
| 1940s | 107 |
| 1950s | 548 |
| 1960s | 1,095 |
| 1970s | 1,393 |
| 1980s | 1,433 |
| 1990s | 331 |
| 2000s | 139 |
| 2010s | 154 |
| 2020s | 126 |
Meaning & origin
Fawn is a nature name drawn directly from the English word for a young deer, originating from Old French. It first appeared in U.S. baby name records in 1900 but remained extremely rare until the mid-20th century. The name reached its peak popularity in 1977, reflecting the broader cultural trend toward earthy, nature-inspired names during that era. After a period of decline through the 1980s and 1990s, Fawn has been slowly rising in use since around 2010, indicating a renewed interest in short, gentle word names. As of 2025, it ranks 5,917th in the U.S., with an estimated 1 in every 80,363 newborn girls receiving the name. While it has not charted among the top names in any particular state, its quiet revival suggests an enduring, if niche, appeal.
Fawn derives directly from the Old French 'faon', meaning a young deer, and was adopted into English as a word name. It came into occasional use as a given name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the Victorian fashion for nature-inspired names. Its popularity peaked in the 1970s, and it has seen a modest revival in recent years.
Where Fawn is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Fawn
Names that share Fawn's style, for a brother or sister.
