Derived from Middle English faie meaning "fairy". It appears in Geoffrey of Monmouth's Arthurian legends in the name of Morgan le Fay. It has been used as a given name since the 19th century. In some cases it may be used as a short form of Faith. Fay originates in Midde English language and means "little fairy". Some sources suggest it might be a diminutive of Faith as well. In the United States, Fay is a fairly popular feminine given name and it functions as a surname as well.
