Given name & surname · also English
Fay
“from the fairy kingdom; a fairy or an elf”·“resembling a raven”
Fay is used as a given name and a surname. Interpretations include “from the fairy kingdom; a fairy or an elf” (English) and “resembling a raven” (Irish). These may reflect different naming traditions.
Meaning & origin
What it means
Interpretations include “from the fairy kingdom; a fairy or an elf” (English) and “resembling a raven” (Irish). These may reflect different naming traditions.
Where it comes from
This spelling has been associated with English and Irish naming traditions.
How it developed
In English usage, Fay is an affectionate form of Frances. In English usage, Fay is an affectionate form of Faith.
The story
Published U.S. birth records include this spelling as early as 1880. This is the earliest published observation available here, rather than a date for the name’s origin.
From dated birth records
Fay through the years
- Babies since 1880
- 36,177
- 4,118 boys · 32,059 girls
- Most popular year
- 1915
- 842 babies
- 2025
- 39
- #3,795 for girls
- 2021–25 vs 2016–20
- +11%
- Rising
Boys, girls and both
The balance of boys and girls given this name has shifted over time. Recent births are 0% boys.
Where it’s given
By the numbers
In 2025, this name appeared in 39 U.S. birth records for girls, ranking No. 3,795 among girls’ names. Average annual use for girls was 10.5% higher in 2021–2025 than in 2016–2020. Its largest published annual count for girls was 722 in 1926. In 2025, California had the largest reported state-level birth count for girls with this name (8). Published U.S. population figures for this spelling include 13,775 as a first name in 2020; 14,132 as a surname in 2020.
From Social Security birth records and U.S. Census name counts for this exact spelling. Other spellings are counted separately.
Fay’s family of names
In English usage, Fay is an affectionate form of Frances. In English usage, Fay has a related form in Faye. In English usage, Fay is an affectionate form of Faith.
Inner ring: spellings · outer: nicknames and forms.
Nicknames & forms 14
Diminutives, pet forms, short forms and variants used alongside the name.
Spellings & scripts 1
The same name written differently, including transliterations into other scripts.
People named Fay
- Fay BainterAmerican actress (1893–1968)
- Fay Wrayactress (1907-2004)
- Fay WeldonBritish writer (1931–2023)
- Fay McKenzieAmerican actress (1918-2019)
- Fay Ajzenberg-SeloveAmerican nuclear physicist (1926–2012)
- Fay ComptonEnglish actress (1894–1978)
- Fay KaninAmerican screenwriter, playwright and producer (1917–2013)
- Fay HoldenAmerican actress (1893-1973)
- Fay MastersonBritish actressborn 1974
Listed by how widely each person is written about, which says nothing about the name itself.
Appears in
Similar names
If you love Fay, these share its style, era, origin or sound, from outside its own family.
Alva
“one who has a fair complexion” · “a bright man”
24% boys · 76% girls
Fairy
“a tiny mystical being possessing magical powers”
>99% girls
Aline
“one who pays homage to Ireland”
>99% girls
Maida
“a maiden; a virgin”
>99% girls
Golda
“resembling the precious metal”
>99% girls
Alvina
“triend of the elves” · “friend of the elves”
>99% girls
Ethel
“a noble woman” · “one who is noble”
>99% girls
Philomena
“a friend of strength”
>99% girls