Faye

How to say it

feɪ

What it means

From the Middle English fay, 'fairy,' by way of Old French.

Faye comes from the Middle English fay, 'fairy,' from the Old French fae, the same root as the enchantress Morgan le Fay. It can also nod to the French foi, 'faith.' Delicate and a little magical, it works beautifully alone or as a middle name. Actress Faye Dunaway carries it. Said FAY.

How to spell Faye

The standard spelling is Faye. Common variants include Fay, Fae, Faie, but Faye is the most widely used form.

Heads-up notes

• Spelling

  From the word for 'fairy'; also spelled Fay or Fae.

• Pop culture

  Actress Faye Dunaway.

Who's worn it

Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.

• Faye Dunaway American actress known for Bonnie and Clyde and Chinatown

Spelling variants

• Fay
• Fae
• Faie

Names with the same feeling

• Mae Pearl; the month of May
• Wren Wren bird
• June Of Juno
• Esme Esteemed, beloved
• Rose Rose flower

See Faye from another angle

Common questions

What does the name Faye mean?

From the Middle English fay, 'fairy,' by way of Old French.

What does Faye mean in English?

In English, Faye means "Fairy." Faye comes from the Middle English fay, 'fairy,' from the Old French fae, the same root as the enchantress Morgan le Fay. It can also nod to the French foi, 'faith.' Delicate and a little magical, it works beautifully alone or as a middle name. Actress Faye Dunaway carries it. Said FAY.

How do you pronounce Faye?

Faye is pronounced feɪ. Say it as FAYE, with the stress on the "faye" syllable.

How do you spell Faye?

The standard spelling is Faye. Common spelling variants include Fay, Fae, Faie.

Is Faye a boy or girl name?

Faye is traditionally a feminine name.

How popular is the name Faye?

Faye ranked #515 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.