MallowbyNames

Fifi

FEE-fee · Diminutive of Josephine, meaning 'Jehovah increases'.

Peak popularity
1926
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Fifi since 1916

Babies named Fifi per year in U.S. Social Security records.

3710192019602000Most births 1923Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1910s20
1920s51
1930s18
1940s0
1950s5
1960s12
1970s35
1980s0
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Fifi is a diminutive of Josephine, rooted in the Hebrew name Yosef. Despite its brevity, Fifi has a distinct historical footprint. The U.S. Social Security Administration records it first appearing in 1916, with its peak usage in 1926. Since then, its frequency has remained stable but extremely low, never entering the top 1,000. The name carries a playful, whimsical charm, often associated with French culture. Fifi's trajectory shows consistent but minimal annual usage, reflecting its niche appeal as a vintage nickname name. It has not been concentrated in any specific state, according to available data, and its revival potential remains limited.

Fifi originated as a French pet form of the name Josephine, which itself is the feminine form of Joseph. Joseph comes from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning 'He will add' or 'Jehovah increases'. Fifi emerged in the late 19th century as a playful, affectionate nickname, particularly in French-speaking cultures, and later gained occasional use as a standalone given name.

Sibling names for Fifi

Names that share Fifi's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Lulu, Gigi, Mimi, Coco, Zoe, Deedee, Jojo, Kiki, Nini, Zuzu

Brothers: Leo, Felix, Max, Remy, Theo

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

F is for Fifi, our favorite little girl.

F is for Fifi…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Fifi's letter becomes Fifi's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Fifi's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Fifi mean?
Fifi is a diminutive of Josephine, which means 'Jehovah increases' in Hebrew.
Is Fifi a popular name?
According to U.S. Social Security data, Fifi has never ranked among the top 1,000 names. Its peak year was 1926, when it was given to a small number of girls.
Is Fifi a girl's name?
Yes, Fifi is traditionally a feminine name, often used as a nickname or standalone given name for girls.