Fidel

“faithful”

Spain origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1767US 2023

92Births / yr

↑Rising

10.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 189200.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Fidel

fid·EL

/fɪd.ˈɛl/ · stress on EL · 2 syllables

“faithful”

Spain origin · Boy name

What does Fidel mean and where does it come from?

The name Fidel is of Spanish origin and means 'faithful'. It has a strong connotation of loyalty, deriving from the Latin word 'fidelis'. The most famous bearer of this name is Fidel Castro, the former Prime Minister and President of Cuba. The name has been used in various forms of literature and re

Cultural significance

Fidel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spain-speaking communities, where it reflects values of faithful.

Peak popularity

Reached #634 in 1959 — currently #1767 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Fidel?

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

Fidel Grace

How popular is Fidel right now?

Rising fast — up 106 spots — currently #1767 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1895–2023#1767 · Top 1.3%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1767	92	▲ up 106 · +10% births
2022	#1873	84	▲ up 330 · +31% births
2021	#2203	64	▼ down 383 · -21% births
2020	#1820	81	▼ down 175 · -16% births
2015	#1645	96	▼ down 165 · -13% births
2010	#1480	110	▼ down 508 · -39% births
2005	#972	179	▼ down 87 · +1% births
2000	#885	178	▼ down 105 · -6% births
1995	#780	190	▲ up 27 · +19% births
1990	#807	159	▼ down 15 · +26% births
1985	#792	126	▲ up 50 · +15% births
1980	#842	110	▼ down 56 · -2% births
1975	#786	112	▲ up 45 · +18% births
1970	#831	95	▼ down 57 · +4% births
1965	#774	91	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Fidel

Best Year1930Rank #699

Peak Count190

Average Rank#1087

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1905 - 202327 years

The story of Fidel

Fidel has been a beloved American name for over 132 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1892. A total of 10,911 babies have received this name. Once ranked #1220 in 1895, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1767 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Fidel in 1959:

Michael David James John Robert

Fidel by decade

Fidel peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	32
1900s	37
1910s	294
1920s	674
1930s	622
1940s	737
1950s	873
1960s	864
1970s	1,031
1980s	1,312
1990s ★	1,715
2000s	1,673
2010s	966
2020s	81

What are good nicknames for Fidel?

Common

FidFidieFidy

What names sound and feel like Fidel?

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

Hebrew · a diminutive form

How is Fidel written in other languages?

What are the girl versions of Fidel?

Fidela SPANISH Fidelia SPANISH

Common questions about the name Fidel

What does the name Fidel mean?

Fidel means "faithful" — a name rooted in Spain 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 Fidel?

Fidel is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Fidel?

Fidel originates from Spain tradition. Spain 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 Fidel?

Fidel is a two-syllable name pronounced F IH0 D EH1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Fidel a common or rare name?

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