Faith Girl
Origin(s)
Pronunciationfayth / /feɪθ/English; Latin
Meaning
English: trust; Latin: faithfulness
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Faith derives from the Latin word "fides," which means "faith" or "trust." This Latin term evolved into Old French as "feid" or "feith," before being adopted into Middle English as "feith" during the 14th century. The transition into English reflects a broader cultural and linguistic exchange, particularly influenced by the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, which introduced many Latin and French terms into the English lexicon. As a virtue name, Faith embodies a significant moral and philosophical concept, often associated with religious belief and trust in divine providence.
Historically, the name Faith has been linked to various religious texts and figures. In Christian tradition, faith is one of the three theological virtues, alongside hope and charity, as articulated by St. Paul in his letters during the 1st century CE. The name gained further prominence through its use in literature and religious contexts, notably appearing in the King James Bible, published in 1611, which helped solidify its place in English-speaking cultures. Additionally, the name has been borne by several saints and figures in Christian hagiography, reinforcing its spiritual significance.
Culturally, the name Faith has resonated through various artistic and literary works, symbolizing hope, loyalty, and steadfastness. It has been used in allegorical contexts, such as in John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress" from the 17th century, where characters embody different virtues, including faith. The name also has a diminutive form, "Fay," which has been used historically but is less common. Overall, the name Faith carries a rich heritage that reflects its enduring association with virtue and belief across centuries.
Trend Summary
Faith has experienced fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Similar Names
Variants
- Fayth
- Faithe
International Variants
- Fei (Chinese)
- Fé (French)
- Féith (Irish)
Famous people named Faith
Faith Hill is a singer and actress best known for Breathe, This Kiss, and The Way You Love Me.
Faith Evans is a singer and songwriter best known for her albums Faith, Keep the Faith, and The First Lady.
Faith No More is a rock band best known for their albums The Real Thing, Angel Dust, and Album of the Year.
Faith Ringgold is an artist and author best known for her quilts, Tar Beach, and her children's books.
Fictional characters named Faith
Faith Lehane is a fictional character from the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She is a slayer who struggles with her dark impulses and complex relationships with other characters in the series.
Faith is a fictional character from the comic book series Faith. She is a superheroine with the ability to fly and superhuman strength, navigating her life as a plus-sized hero in a world that often overlooks her.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Faith was first seen in the United States in 1880. Faith has ranked as high as #124 nationally, which occurred in 2003, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Faith has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Faith (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 158 | |
CA | 112 | |
FL | 83 | |
NY | 62 | |
GA | 47 | |
PA | 46 | |
OH | 45 | |
NC | 41 | |
IN | 38 | |
MO | 35 | |
VA | 34 | |
IL | 32 | |
AZ | 31 | |
WA | 27 | |
MN | 26 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 6 |
1881 | 5 |
1882 | 9 |
1884 | 6 |
1885 | 10 |
1886 | 16 |
1887 | 5 |
1888 | 13 |
1889 | 16 |
1890 | 10 |
1891 | 27 |
1892 | 21 |
1893 | 14 |
1894 | 23 |
1895 | 21 |
1896 | 27 |
1897 | 25 |
1898 | 37 |
1899 | 29 |
1900 | 33 |
1901 | 29 |
1902 | 21 |
1903 | 32 |
1904 | 27 |
1905 | 19 |
1906 | 39 |
1907 | 20 |
1908 | 35 |
1909 | 39 |
1910 | 35 |
1911 | 47 |
1912 | 67 |
1913 | 79 |
1914 | 91 |
1915 | 126 |
1916 | 113 |
1917 | 156 |
1918 | 174 |
1919 | 152 |
1920 | 164 |
1921 | 190 |
1922 | 219 |
1923 | 222 |
1924 | 232 |
1925 | 225 |
1926 | 225 |
1927 | 216 |
1928 | 212 |
1929 | 199 |
1930 | 230 |
1931 | 261 |
1932 | 340 |
1933 | 330 |
1934 | 325 |
1935 | 301 |
1936 | 354 |
1937 | 339 |
1938 | 327 |
1939 | 383 |
1940 | 371 |
1941 | 463 |
1942 | 571 |
1943 | 570 |
1944 | 447 |
1945 | 424 |
1946 | 436 |
1947 | 459 |
1948 | 400 |
1949 | 387 |
1950 | 457 |
1951 | 588 |
1952 | 602 |
1953 | 604 |
1954 | 676 |
1955 | 800 |
1956 | 779 |
1957 | 827 |
1958 | 786 |
1959 | 839 |
1960 | 874 |
1961 | 783 |
1962 | 729 |
1963 | 794 |
1964 | 806 |
1965 | 708 |
1966 | 654 |
1967 | 595 |
1968 | 533 |
1969 | 523 |
1970 | 550 |
1971 | 529 |
1972 | 526 |
1973 | 512 |
1974 | 542 |
1975 | 556 |
1976 | 637 |
1977 | 803 |
1978 | 840 |
1979 | 861 |
1980 | 806 |
1981 | 795 |
1982 | 686 |
1983 | 663 |
1984 | 635 |
1985 | 558 |
1986 | 634 |
1987 | 561 |
1988 | 621 |
1989 | 707 |
1990 | 940 |
1991 | 1,074 |
1992 | 1,140 |
1993 | 1,134 |
1994 | 1,305 |
1995 | 1,747 |
1996 | 2,159 |
1997 | 2,577 |
1998 | 3,217 |
1999 | 4,236 |
2000 | 4,998 |
2001 | 5,411 |
2002 | 5,527 |
2003 | 5,597 |
2004 | 5,420 |
2005 | 5,256 |
2006 | 4,864 |
2007 | 4,307 |
2008 | 3,634 |
2009 | 3,767 |
2010 | 3,704 |
2011 | 3,733 |
2012 | 3,559 |
2013 | 3,419 |
2014 | 3,738 |
2015 | 3,347 |
2016 | 3,090 |
2017 | 2,640 |
2018 | 2,470 |
2019 | 2,273 |
2020 | 1,998 |
2021 | 1,744 |
2022 | 1,562 |
2023 | 1,271 |
2024 | 1,272 |