Verdict: Faith is a stellar choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the perfect antidote to a chaotic world: stability, trust, and simplicity. It is familiar enough that everyone can spell it, yet it is no longer so overused that your daughter will be one of three in her kindergarten class. It is a timeless classic that feels fresh again.
Faith Overview
- Meaning: Faith means “to trust” and “to hope” in Latin and English.
- Gender: Faith is considered a girl’s forename.
- Origin: Faith originated from the Latin “fidere.” In the Bible, Faith refers to the act of trusting in God.
- Pronunciation: Faith is pronounced “FAYTH.”
- Popularity: Faith is well-known worldwide but is particularly famous in Europe and America. Faith is likely to remain among the top 500 options for girls worldwide.
- Nicknames: Fa, Fae, Faitha, Faithy, Fath, Fayfay, Fefe, Fye.
- Variations: Faethe, Faithe, Fay, Faye, Fayth, Faythe.
- Namesakes: Faith Hill McGraw, American country music star.
What Does Faith Mean?
At its core, Faith is a vocabulary word turned name, but its etymological roots give it weight. It comes from the Middle English word feith, which evolved from the Old French feid. However, the true root is the Latin fidere, meaning “to trust” or “to confide.”
While the dictionary defines it as complete trust or confidence in someone or something, the name implies a specific kind of loyalty. It suggests an unwavering belief that is not necessarily based on proof. For parents, naming a child Faith is often a declaration of their own values, prioritizing loyalty, spiritual confidence, and resilience over material success.
Where Does the Name Faith Come From?
The name Faith is inextricably linked to the history of the Christian church and the Protestant Reformation. While the concept of faith is central to the Bible, the use of Faith as a given name is largely a post-Biblical phenomenon.
It first gained traction in the 17th century among the Puritans in England and America. The Puritans rejected traditional Catholic saint names in favor of “Virtue Names” that embodied the qualities they hoped their children would possess. Faith, along with Prudence, Charity, and Hope, became a staple of this era.
There is also a historical nod to Saint Faith (or Saint Foy), a third-century child martyr from France who was tortured for refusing to make sacrifices to pagan gods. Her cult was popular in the Middle Ages, which helped embed the concept of “Faith” into the European consciousness long before it became a standard English given name.
How Popular is the Name Faith?
Faith is what onomatologists call a “Modern Classic.” While it has been in use for centuries, it saw a massive resurgence in the modern era. According to Social Security Administration data, Faith was a quiet contender for most of the 20th century but began a meteoric rise in the 1990s.
Much of this boost can be attributed to the massive popularity of country singer Faith Hill. The name peaked just inside the Top 50 in the early 2000s. Since then, it has slowly cooled off, settling into a comfortable position within the Top 200. It is no longer trendy or “faddish,” making it a safe, recognizable choice that isn’t overexposed. It occupies a “sweet spot” of popularity, universally known but not universally used.
How Do I Pronounce Faith?
The pronunciation is straightforward and phonetic.
- Standard English: FAYTH (Rhymes with “eighth” or “wraith”).
Because it is a vocabulary word, there are virtually no alternate pronunciations in English-speaking countries.
Is Faith a Boy or Girl Name?
Faith is overwhelmingly a female name. While virtue names like “Justice” or “Royal” have become unisex in recent years, Faith has retained its feminine identity, likely due to the soft “th” ending and its long association with sisters Hope and Charity. While you may find rare instances of it used for boys in history, contemporary usage is almost exclusively for girls.
Variations of Faith
If you love the meaning of Faith but want something with a different cultural flair, consider these international variations:
- Foy (French) – Derived from Saint Foy.
- Fae (English) – A homophone that connects to fairy folklore.
- Fede (Italian) – A snappy, two-syllable variation.
- Fidela (Latin) – Meaning “faithful.”
- Vera (Russian/Latin) – Meaning “faith” or “truth.”
- Iman (Arabic) – A widely popular name meaning “faith” or “belief.”
- Pistis (Greek) – The direct translation of faith in the New Testament.
Nicknames for Faith
Faith is short, so it doesn’t require a nickname, but affectionate diminutives are always charming.
- Fay: The most intuitive short form.
- Fifi: A playful, high-energy option often used for Sophia, but works perfectly here.
- Effie: A creative stretch based on the “F” sound, giving it a vintage spin.
- Fia: A modern, spunky nickname utilizing the first two letters.
- Fee: A sweet, simple pet name often used by siblings.
Names Similar to Faith
If Faith isn’t quite right, consider these names that share the same “vibe.”
- Grace: The most popular virtue name; slightly softer and more classical than Faith.
- Hope: Faith’s eternal companion; feels slightly more optimistic and airy.
- Verity: A Puritan virtue name that feels more vintage and rare.
- Blythe: Shares the one-syllable, “th” ending structure but means “happy” or “carefree.”
- Eden: Biblical and spiritual, but with a nature-focused twist.
- Trinity: A spiritual name that had a similar popularity peak in the early 2000s.
- Joy: Short, punchy, and universally positive.
- Mercy: A gentler virtue name that is rising in popularity.
Middle Names for Faith
Because Faith is a single syllable, it pairs beautifully with longer, multi-syllabic middle names to create a balanced rhythm.
Classic & Elegant
Floral & Natural
Modern & Lyrical
- Faith Isabella
- Faith Olivia
- Faith Penelope
- Faith Evangeline
- Faith Seraphina
Sibling Names for Faith
Creating a sibset for Faith requires finding names that are traditional yet distinct.
For a Brother
- Caleb: A biblical name that means “whole-hearted,” matching Faith’s devotion.
- Jude: Short, strong, and spiritual without being overly pious.
- Levi: A trendy biblical choice that feels rugged and cool.
- Ethan: Meaning “strong” or “enduring,” it complements the meaning of Faith.
- Grant: A one-syllable virtue-style name that implies giving.
For a Sister
- Hannah: A classic palindrome meaning “favor” or “grace.”
- Abigail: A Colonial favorite that pairs lovely with Faith.
- Lydia: A New Testament name that feels smart and polished.
- Rose: Another word name that is simple, elegant, and timeless.
- Clara: Meaning “bright” or “clear,” it shares Faith’s vintage charm.
Famous People Named Faith
- Faith Hill: The Grammy-winning country superstar who arguably defined the name for a generation.
- Faith Evans: An influential R&B singer and songwriter known as the “First Lady of Bad Boy Records.”
- Faith Ringgold: A celebrated American painter, writer, and performance artist.
- Faith Ford: An American actress best known for her role on Murphy Brown.
- Faith Kipyegon: A Kenyan middle-distance runner and Olympic gold medalist.
Faith in Pop Culture
- Faith Lehane: The rogue Slayer from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She gave the name a tough, edgy leather-jacket vibe in the late 90s.
- Faith Newman: A long-running character on the soap opera The Young and the Restless.
- Faith Herbert (Zephyr): A superheroine from Valiant Comics known for her optimism and relatability.
FAQs About the Name Faith
How Common Is the Name Faith?
Due to its spiritual association, Faith has been a popular title worldwide since the 17th-century. It is especially popular in the United States, where it’s been a top 500 pick since the 1920s. Faith is among the most meaningful names for girls, and it’s bound to be a classic for years to come.
Is Faith a Latin Name?
Faith is a Latin name that has evolved over the centuries. It comes from “fidere,” which means “trust.” Eventually, Faith appeared as “fides” in French and “feid” in Old English. In other cultures, Faith may still appear with these alternate spellings.
What Year Was the Name Faith Most Popular?
Faith has been a common virtue title for ages, but we only have records from the 1900s and 2000s. Faith peaked as the 48th most popular title for girls in 2002.
How Old Is the Name Faith?
Faith is a common theme throughout the Bible, but it was first used for girls in the 17th-century. The Puritans thought virtue titles were good omens and often chose to christen their children with biblical names.
Is the Name Faith Too Religious?
While Faith is undeniably spiritual, it has crossed over into the mainstream as a secular name. Much like “Grace” or “Eden,” it is appreciated for its aesthetic sound and positive meaning (trust and loyalty) just as much as its religious connection. It is not generally viewed as exclusively religious in the modern era.
Does Faith Have Any Negative Connotations?
Faith is overwhelmingly positive, associated with loyalty and resilience. However, in pop culture, specifically in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the character Faith was an anti-hero/villain. This actually helped the name shed its “prim and proper” image, giving it a bit of grit and coolness rather than a negative reputation.
Can Faith Be a Middle Name?
Faith is an exceptional middle name choice. Because it is a single syllable with a soft ending, it acts as a “bridge” between the first and last name. It works particularly well with 3-syllable first names, such as Sophia Faith or Isabella Faith.
What Is the Best Sibling Name for Faith?
The best sibling names for Faith are those that match its classic, familiar, but not-too-frilly vibe. For a sister, “Grace” is the most traditional pairing, while “Joy” offers a similar snappy energy. For a brother, “Caleb” or “Levi” matches the subtle biblical history without feeling mismatched.
Are There Different Ways to Spell Faith?
While “Faith” is the standard spelling, some parents opt for variations to make it unique. “Fayth” and “Faithe” are the most common alternatives. However, the classic spelling is generally recommended to avoid confusion, as the word itself is so recognizable in the English language.
