Declining since 1996, #1,867 for boys today.
Popularity of Fidel since 1892
Babies named Fidel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 32 |
| 1900s | 37 |
| 1910s | 294 |
| 1920s | 674 |
| 1930s | 622 |
| 1940s | 737 |
| 1950s | 873 |
| 1960s | 865 |
| 1970s | 1,031 |
| 1980s | 1,314 |
| 1990s | 1,715 |
| 2000s | 1,673 |
| 2010s | 967 |
| 2020s | 487 |
Meaning & origin
Fidel is a Latin-derived name meaning 'faithful'. Its U.S. popularity peaked in 2001, and it has been steadily declining since 1996. In 2025, it ranked 1867th with approximately 1 in 20,334 newborn boys receiving the name. The name is most commonly found in California and Texas, reflecting its use within Hispanic communities.
Derived from the Latin fidelis meaning 'faithful'. It was used among early Christians as a given name and later adopted in Spanish-speaking cultures. The name gained notoriety in the 20th century due to Cuban leader Fidel Castro.
Where Fidel is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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
Nicknames: Fido
Variants: Fidèle
Sibling names for Fidel
Names that share Fidel's style, for a brother or sister.
