Fe
A girl's name of Spanish origin with 115 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
(The addition of quotations indicative of this usage is being sought:) American Library Association abbreviation for forty-eighth, a book size (7.5-10 cm in height); a book of that height.
Fe is a girl's baby name of Spanish origin, the Spanish word for 'faith,' from the Latin fides — one of the three theological virtues of Christianity alongside hope and charity.
Fe is used as a given name in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in the Philippines and Latin America, where virtue names have deep Catholic roots. It is also the chemical symbol for iron (from the Latin ferrum) — a name that is both a spiritual aspiration and elementally strong.
EtymologyShow more
Fe first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1960. Arriving in the 1960s, Fe appeared during a period when American naming was beginning to diversify beyond the traditional Anglo-Saxon and biblical pools.
Its Spanish classification suggests a path from spanish linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Fe has 19+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1960.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 19 | #13731 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 38 | #14732 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 27 | #14549 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 5 | #14477 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 26 | #6905 | — |
The Story of Fe
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2007, Fe is a name that defines a generation. Girls named Fe are most likely born between 1997 and 2017.
How rare is Fe?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Fe is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1960, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 2010s with 38 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Fe by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(19 years, 1960–2023)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | #15952 |
| 2022 | 7 | #12674 |
| 2020 | 7 | #12568 |
| 2019 | 5 | #16335 |
| 2018 | 8 | #11765 |
| 2017 | 5 | #16670 |
| 2016 | 5 | #17110 |
| 2011 | 7 | #13828 |
| 2010 | 8 | #12681 |
| 2008 | 7 | #14328 |
| 2007 | 9 | #11946 |
| 2006 | 6 | #15761 |
| 2001 | 5 | #16160 |
| 1997 | 5 | #14477 |
| 1969 | 5 | #7822 |
| 1966 | 5 | #6886 |
| 1964 | 6 | #6237 |
| 1963 | 5 | #6919 |
| 1960 | 5 | #6659 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1960–2023