A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Faye since 1880
Babies named Faye per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1943, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Faye's real moment was 1934.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 296 |
| 1890s | 1,130 |
| 1900s | 2,210 |
| 1910s | 6,826 |
| 1920s | 10,233 |
| 1930s | 12,555 |
| 1940s | 13,711 |
| 1950s | 10,427 |
| 1960s | 4,244 |
| 1970s | 1,558 |
| 1980s | 1,058 |
| 1990s | 618 |
| 2000s | 1,106 |
| 2010s | 2,969 |
| 2020s | 3,201 |
Meaning & origin
Faye is a short, elegant name with fairy-tale origins that has enjoyed two distinct periods of popularity. First appearing in U.S. records in 1880, it reached its peak rank in 1934 before declining mid-century. Since 1995, however, Faye has been steadily rising again, with a current rank of 514 in 2025 and an incidence of 1 in 2,776 newborns. The name is most popular in Montana, New Hampshire, and New Mexico, suggesting a particular appeal in states with a preference for vintage, understated names. Its revival during the 1930s decade and again today reflects a broader trend toward short, surname-style names with a gentle, whimsical feel. Faye's simplicity and connection to folklore give it a timeless quality that fits well with modern naming tastes.
Faye originated as a medieval English given name, derived from the Old French word 'fae' meaning 'fairy' or 'enchanted being.' It was revived in the late 19th century as a short form of Faith, though it has its own distinct identity. The name also shares roots with the word 'fay,' meaning 'fairy' or 'elf,' and has been used as a surname before becoming a given name.
Where Faye 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.
“Faye” around the world
Where Faye lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
#80
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Faye
Names that share Faye's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Claire, June, Mae, Rose, Vera, Aimee, Cherie, Rae, Dawna, Joie, Kaye, Neva, Rue, Chere, Jaye, Maye, Pa, Raeann, Raye, Toi, Alayne, Dorma, Dory, Frady, Gae, Gaile, Loa, Maree, Roe, Shi, Shy, Terre, Vale, Cay, Linn, Nixie, Okie, Ree, Shere, Thy, Ciin, Francy, Reene, Ronne
Brothers: Dean, Hugh, Jack, Roy, Wade, Chance, Dale, Ike, Kit, Lou, Odis, Val, Van, Cy, Del, Faron, Kee, Lem, Shad, Boss, Chay, Dal, Gleen, Hoy, Ilo, Kem, Kyre, Loye, Oree, Oz, Phi, Reeve, Sy, Tabor, Tobe, Wray, Yul, Zell, Avon, Coe, Dace, Dae, Dewie, Gram, Jep, Koy, Less, Mal, Saw, Si, Tan, Win, Thaine, Cap, Cha, Clee, Cray, Doye, Eames, Fue, Gadge, Given, Grimm, Guinn, Hy, Kitt, Mung, Nix, Nore, Ohn, Ran, Sye, Tyme, Vane
