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NamyLab

Fay

female
Updated 7 months ago

Meaning

"Fairy"

Short given name associated with medieval concepts of fae beings, also used as a surname and nickname form.

Themes:folkloreshortfeminine
UniqueRare

Fact-checked by Lily Anderson

M.F.A. Creative Writing, Sarah LawrencePublished NovelistName Collection Curator • Creative Names Editor

This name has been verified against authoritative sources including SSA data, etymology databases, and cultural naming traditions.

Popularity History of Fay

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#3403Ranked in 2024

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Yearly Ranking Snapshot

Pick any SSA release year to inspect that year's national ranking and how it changed from the year before.

Selected Year Rank
#3403

Fay was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
+817

better than 2023

Data Source

Popularity rankings are based on official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks baby name applications in the United States.

Last updated: 2024 • Data source updated annually

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Baby Name Lists That Include Fay

Browse every Namylab list page that currently includes Fay, from meaning and origin collections to letter, syllable, and themed baby name lists.

14 linked lists

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Fay mean?
Fay means "Fairy". Short given name associated with medieval concepts of fae beings, also used as a surname and nickname form.
What is the origin of Fay?
Fay is of English origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name Fay?
According to the latest SSA data, Fay is currently ranked #3403 in the United States. The name has shown interesting trends over the past century, with popularity varying based on cultural preferences and naming trends.
Is Fay a girl name?
Fay is traditionally a girl name. However, modern naming practices are increasingly flexible, and names can be used across genders based on personal preference.
What are good nicknames for Fay?
Common nicknames can be formed by shortening or modifying the name. Check the Nicknames section above for specific suggestions.
What names are similar to Fay?
There are many names similar to Fay in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginEnglish, French
Syllables1
Length3 letters
US Rank#3403
Trend↑ Rising
Starts withF

Sibling Ideas

Explore More Girl Names Like Fay

Fay has English roots, making it a wonderful choice if you love names from this heritage. Discover more options in our English baby names collection, where you'll find hundreds of names with similar cultural depth.

Fay appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Unique Baby Names and French Baby Names for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Traditional English Names and Names That Mean Child Of God for Boys and Girls.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how Fay pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement Fay beautifully, and the Nickname Predictor reveals the most common short forms.

Explore our full baby name lists for origin-based, meaning-based, and themed collections, or head back to the baby name generator to continue your search.