A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Fay since 1880
Babies named Fay per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1926, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Fay's real moment was 1911.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 411 | 173 |
| 1890s | 1,180 | 240 |
| 1900s | 2,078 | 249 |
| 1910s | 5,473 | 999 |
| 1920s | 6,304 | 1,121 |
| 1930s | 5,763 | 672 |
| 1940s | 4,197 | 382 |
| 1950s | 3,130 | 171 |
| 1960s | 1,740 | 87 |
| 1970s | 524 | 24 |
| 1980s | 316 | 0 |
| 1990s | 170 | 0 |
| 2000s | 229 | 0 |
| 2010s | 311 | 0 |
| 2020s | 233 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Fay is a delicate, charming name with fairy-tale origins. It entered the U.S. naming pool in 1880 and saw its greatest popularity in the early 20th century, peaking in 1911. After decades of decline, it has been steadily rising in usage since 1995, reflecting the modern revival of vintage names. In 2025, it was given to approximately 1 in every 41,212 newborns, ranking 3,780. While once common in states like California, today it remains a rare but recognizable choice, often associated with the actress Fay Wray and the literary character Fay Morgan.
Fay derives from the Old French word 'fae', meaning fairy or enchanted being, ultimately from Latin 'fata' (fate, goddess of destiny). In medieval English romances, 'fay' referred to a supernatural female creature. It was adopted as a given name in the 19th century, often as a short form of Faith or as an independent name.
Where Fay 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.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Fay
Names that share Fay's style, for a brother or sister.
