Baby Name Meanings
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 6 pages
of 6
Arabic
"seer of truth"
Name of the last king of Egypt.
Short form of Lafayette, French, English word name
"faith; predestined, destiny, chance"
Briefly in the US Top 1000 in the late 19th century, Fate likely emerged as a short form for the old French name, Lafayette. In the contemporary landscape however, it may well be perceived as a word…
Short form of Lafayette, French
"faith"
Short form found in historical records, feels a tad feminine for modern times.
Spanish
Relatively popular in Spain until the middle of the 20th century, this sweet and lively Spanish virtue name is also a Marian name, short for María de Fe. In Galician, it is sometimes also short for…
French
"faith, confidence"
This rare virtue name has an appealing meaning, but the potential for confusion with "fiancé" (which comes from the same root) would give most people pause. It can also be short for the more feisty…
Latin
"faithful"
The association with the Cuban leader Castro is still strong, but he's by no means the only Fidel. This name was in the Top 1000 for over 80 years, from 1919 to 2005. From the late Latin name…
Fidelia stems from the Latin word Fides, meaning faith. It has the some root as the English word fidelity. Fidelia gained popularity in the mid-19th Century after Beethoven's opera "Fidelio" gave…
"loyal"
A kind of French virtue name, an affectionate form of Fidele.
Surname, from French
This once-popular surname name (rhymes with Roy) has since faded away, but we think it has a simple, stylish charm.
Irish and Scottish
"devoted to the Virgin Mary"
For better or worse, this name is still firmly attached to the TV series Gilmore Girls . It's one of a number of Scottish and Irish surname names beginning with Gil, meaning "servant". In this case,…
"true believer"
British filmmaker Hanif Kureishi brought this name to the Western world.
Could serve as an alternative to the more common Latifah.
"truthful"
North African name with a distinctive beat.
Variantion of Iman borne by model Imaan Hammam.
Persian from Arabic
Variant of Iman
One of the best-known African names in the Western World because of the Somali-born model and wife of the late David Bowie.
Variation of Imena, African, Arabic
"dream; faith"
Unusual but appealing nickname that could really be used for any name starting with Im-, although most commonly Imena. We've also heard of it used as a short form of Imelda.
Foppish name with a distinguished forebear, French general Marquis de Lafayette, who fought in the American Revolution. It accounts for the L in L. Ron Hubbard. Old-time short form: Fayette or Fate.
Variation of Leif, Diminutive of Lafayette, Scandinavian, French
"heir, descendant; faith"
In the 18th century, Lafe was the common short form of the French surname name Lafayette. A notable bearer was Lafe McKee, who acted in over 400 films during the first half of the 19th century.…
Diminutive of Lemuel, Hebrew
"devoted to God"
Lem is a corn-cob pipe-smoking, back porch-rocking nickname name. But we predict as Sam and Gus become ho-hum, more parents will look to Lem.
