Fama

“to speak well of” — Symbolize the hope that the bearer will have a good name and be wel

Senegal origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#16088US 2022

5Births / yr

↓Falling

80All-time births

📅 Since 191600

How to pronounce Fama

FAH·muh

/ˈfɑ.mə/ · stress on FAH · 2 syllables

“to speak well of”

Symbolize the hope that the bearer will have a good name and be wel · Senegal origin

What does Fama mean and where does it come from?

Fama is a name with roots in Senegal, deriving from the Wolof language where it signifies good speaking or reputation. The name is particularly common in Islamic cultures, having associations with fame and renown in Arabic. Fama may symbolize the hope that the bearer will have a good name and be wel

Cultural significance

Fama has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Senegal-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to speak well of.

Peak popularity

Reached #3887 in 1916 — currently #16088 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Fama?

Fama works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Fama Grace

How popular is Fama right now?

Falling — down 3468 spots — currently #16088 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2022#16088 · Top 12%

1920

1925

1930

2020

2021

2022

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2022	#16088	5	▼ down 3468 · -29% births
2021	#12620	7	▼ down 3679 · -36% births
2020	#8941	11	▼ down 3987 · +120% births
1930	#4954	5	▼ down 655 · -29% births
1925	#4299	7	▲ up 1119 · +40% births
1920	#5418	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Fama

Best Year1925Rank #4299

Peak Count11

Average Rank#8720

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1920 - 20226 years

The story of Fama

Fama entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 80 total births recorded, Fama remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5418 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #16088 in 2022.

Names that peaked alongside Fama in 1916:

Mary Helen Dorothy Margaret Ruth

Fama by decade

Fama peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1910s ★	20
1920s	18
1930s	5
2000s	18
2010s	8
2020s	11

💎Fama has only 80 total recorded births since 1916 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Fama?

Common

FamFamieFamy

What names sound and feel like Fama?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Fama also consider these

American · All things, everything

Hama

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Bama

American · Native American

Common questions about the name Fama

What does the name Fama mean?

Fama means "to speak well of" — a name rooted in Senegal tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Fama?

Fama is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Fama?

Fama originates from Senegal tradition. Senegal names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Fama?

Fama is a two-syllable name pronounced F AA1 M AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Fama a common or rare name?

Fama is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.