Meaning & Origin
An Anglo-Irish surname transferred from the nickname, Anglicized from de Fae a Norman family that settled in Ireland.
Fay is a girl's and boy's baby name of Old French origin, from the Old French fae meaning 'fairy' or 'enchantment' — a name that carries the magical, otherworldly quality of fairy folklore.
With over 32,000 recorded U.S. births, Fay (and its variant Faye) has been used steadily since the late 19th century. Actress Faye Dunaway gave it a glamorous Hollywood stamp. It's a name of pure vintage charm — small, magical, and perfectly formed.