Fay is a feminine given name of English origin, steeped in a sense of magic and enchantment. Its primary meaning derives from the English word fay, meaning "fairy," which comes from Middle English faie (magical, enchanted) and Old French fae, ultimately from Latin fata (the Fates). This connection to fairies links the name to a rich vein of European folklore—celtic, Slavic, Germanic, and French—where fairies are mythical beings often depicted as anthropomorphic spirits with magical or preternatural qualities.Notably, the name appears in Arthurian legend in the form of Morgan le Fay, a powerful enchantress, cementing the name's magical connotations. As a result of this literary association, Fay entered use as a feminine given name in the 19th century, a period when medieval romance names enjoyed a revival. In some cases, it may also serve as a short form of Faith, offering an alternative etymology linked to virtue.The name also exists as a rarer, older masculine name. In that usage, it is likely derived from a surname: see the unrelated surnames Fay 1 (of various geographic origins) or Fay 2 (from Middle English fey meaning "faith" or federation).VariantsCommon modern variants include Fae and Faye, both widely used in English-speaking countries. Faye, in particular, has been the most popular form in the United States since the late 19th century.