Lafayette Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Lafayette has French origins, meaning 'the little fairy' or 'the little leaf'. It has evolved through various historical forms and is associated with notable traits such as nobility and heroism. While it does not have biblical relevance, its popularity surged due to the Marquis de Lafayette's contributions to the American Revolutionary War, and it continues to be positively perceived today.
The name Lafayette is most popular in North Carolina, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Lafayette has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Lafayette' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 832nd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 926th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1062nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1320th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2061st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5042nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6709th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 9107th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 9204th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 12526th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 18004th out of 19264 names. Discover how the name 'Lafayette' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Lafayette"
Pronunciation
/lɑːfɪˈɛt/
Origin
French
Etymology
The name Lafayette is derived from the Old French elements 'la' meaning 'the' and 'fayette' meaning 'little fairy' or 'little leaf'.
Meaning
The little fairy or the little leaf.
Language Evolution
Lafaiette, Lafayet, La Fayette
Historical Usage
Lafayette gained popularity in English-speaking countries primarily due to the influence of the Marquis de Lafayette, a French general who played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War in the late 18th century.
Variants & Derivatives
La Fayette, Fayette, Fay
Modern Popularity & Image
Lafayette is often associated with nobility and heroism, primarily due to its historical connections, and it is regarded positively in contemporary culture.
Famous People
Marquis de Lafayette, Lafayette Ronald Hubbard, Lafayette B. Mendel
Explore More Lafayette Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Lafayette"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Lafayette"
"Lafayette" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 832nd of 7545 | 1,057 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 926th of 6773 | 883 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1062nd of 7552 | 949 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1320th of 10718 | 663 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2061st of 16616 | 525 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 5042nd of 24088 | 258 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 6709th of 23106 | 147 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 9107th of 9107 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 9204th of 9204 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 12526th of 12526 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 18004th of 19264 | 6 |
Regional Popularity of "Lafayette" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
72.32% 1024th/1416 |
75.34% 1039th/1379 |
30.52% 722nd/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
73.67% 1139th/1546 |
71.21% 1108th/1556 |
32.21% 758th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
49.17% 1095th/2227 |
60.91% 1480th/2430 |
33.93% 968th/2853 |
48.18% 1337th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
41.95% 1232nd/2937 |
55.90% 1947th/3483 |
41.05% 1444th/3518 |
29.13% 1178th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
45.70% 1684th/3685 |
- |
64.02% 3325th/5194 |
31.57% 1994th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
65.06% 4758th/7313 |
62.48% 4663rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Lafayette" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Lafayette"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Lafayette" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.