Meaning & History
Fae is a variant of the English name Fay, primarily used as a feminine given name. The name Fay itself derives from the Middle English word faie meaning "magical, enchanted," which comes from Old French and ultimately Latin fata (the Fates). In Arthurian legend, the sorceress Morgan le Fay—whose name includes the same root—is a prominent figure. Though Fay also serves as a diminutive of Faith, Fae is most directly associated with the fairy imagery, making it a poetic, ethereal choice.
Fae emerged as a standalone given name in the late 19th century, part of a broader trend of whimsical, nature-inspired names. Its spelling sets it apart from the more common Fay and Faye variants, emphasizing the connection to faeries. While less enduring in popularity than Faye, Fae retains a delicate appeal and occasional use in English-speaking countries.
The name is almost exclusively feminine, though the related Fay has historically seen rare masculine use derived from surnames.
- Meaning: Fairy, enchanted being, magic
- Origin: English, derived from Middle English faie
- Type: Variant of Fay
- Usage regions: English-speaking countries