A 1980s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Fotini since 1969
Babies named Fotini per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 118 |
| 1980s | 104 |
| 1990s | 67 |
| 2000s | 55 |
| 2010s | 42 |
| 2020s | 24 |
Meaning & origin
Fotini is a Greek name meaning 'light', rooted in the ancient word 'phos'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1969, and its peak usage came in 1984. The name has been on a rising trajectory since 2019, reflecting a modest revival among families seeking names with Orthodox Christian heritage. Despite its rarity, Fotini holds steady appeal, with roughly 1 in 267,878 newborns receiving the name in 2025. Its recent upward trend suggests growing interest, though it remains a distinctive choice outside of Greek communities.
Fotini is the modern Greek form of Photine, derived from the Greek word 'phos' (genitive 'photos'), meaning 'light'. The name appears in the New Testament as the Samaritan woman at the well, whom Orthodox tradition honors as Saint Photine. It has remained a common name in Greece, particularly among families with strong Orthodox Christian ties.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Foti, Fota, Tinoula
Variants: Photine, Photini, Fotine
Sibling names for Fotini
Names that share Fotini's style, for a brother or sister.
