NameCensus.

UK surname

Fait

Of French origin, a surname referring to one who was associated with faithfulness, honesty, or loyalty.

In the 1881 census there were 5 people recorded with the Fait surname, ranking it #33,110 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 22, ranked #36,533, down from #33,110 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside, Norham and Warkworth. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include No data.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Fait is 145 in 1861. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 340.0%.

1881 census count

5

Ranked #33,110

Modern count

22

2016, ranked #36,533

Peak year

1861

145 bearers

Map years

2

1861 to 1891

Key insights

  • Fait had 5 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #33,110 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 22 in 2016, ranked #36,533.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 145 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is No data.

Fait surname distribution map

The map shows where the Fait surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Fait surname density by area, 1891 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Fait over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 46 #24,985
1861 historical 145 #15,715
1881 historical 5 #33,110
1891 historical 136 #19,601
1901 historical 57 #27,846
1911 historical 51 #27,708
1997 modern 11 #36,912
1998 modern 11 #36,908
1999 modern 11 #36,917
2000 modern 13 #36,635
2001 modern 13 #36,483
2002 modern 17 #36,164
2003 modern 19 #36,011
2004 modern 22 #35,878
2005 modern 20 #36,165
2006 modern 20 #36,254
2007 modern 22 #36,213
2008 modern 23 #36,211
2009 modern 22 #36,394
2010 modern 24 #36,341
2011 modern 19 #36,668
2012 modern 24 #36,288
2013 modern 26 #36,217
2014 modern 24 #36,358
2015 modern 25 #36,297
2016 modern 22 #36,533

Geography

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Where Faits are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside, Norham, Warkworth, Gateshead and All Saints Poplar. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to No data. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside Durham
2 Norham Northumberland
3 Warkworth Northumberland
4 Gateshead Durham
5 All Saints Poplar London (East Districts)

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 No data No data

Forenames

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First names often paired with Fait

These lists show first names that appear often with the Fait surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Fait

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Fait, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

No data

Group

No data

Nationally, the Fait surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as No data, within No data. This does not mean every Fait household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

No data

Group

No data

Within London, Fait is most associated with areas classed as No data, part of No data. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Fait is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of No data.

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Fait, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Fait

The surname FAIT is believed to have originated in France, specifically in the northern regions of Normandy and Brittany, during the early Middle Ages. It is thought to be derived from the Old French word "fait," meaning "deed" or "feat," suggesting that the name may have been given to someone who performed a noteworthy or courageous act.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name FAIT can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, a comprehensive survey of land and property ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. This suggests that individuals bearing this surname may have been among the Norman settlers who arrived in England following the Norman Conquest in 1066.

In the 13th century, a prominent figure named Guillebert FAIT was recorded as a noble landowner in the region of Normandy. His descendants likely played a role in the further spread and establishment of the FAIT surname across northern France and beyond.

During the 16th century, a notable individual named Jacques FAIT (1520-1589) gained recognition as a skilled architect and engineer. He is credited with designing several notable buildings and fortifications in Paris and other parts of France.

Another influential figure was Étienne FAIT (1638-1718), a French philosopher and theologian who authored several works on moral philosophy and religious doctrine. His writings were widely read and discussed during the Age of Enlightenment.

In the 19th century, a French author and poet, Victor FAIT (1823-1878), achieved literary acclaim for his poetic works that celebrated the natural beauty of his native Normandy region.

Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation emerged, including FAITE, FAITTE, and FAYT, reflecting regional linguistic differences and the evolution of the French language.

While the FAIT surname has its roots in France, it has since spread to other parts of the world through migration and settlement patterns, becoming a part of the cultural tapestry of various nations and communities.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Fait families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Fait surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Middlesex leads with 2 Faits recorded in 1881 and an index of 4.12x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 2 4.12x
Lancashire 1 1.74x
Northumberland 1 13.85x
Sussex 1 12.22x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Cocklaw in Northumberland leads with 1 Faits recorded in 1881 and an index of 0.00x.

Place Total Index
Cocklaw 1 0.00x
Kensington London 1 37.04x
Liverpool 1 28.65x
Rye 1 1250.00x
St Anne Soho London 1 357.14x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Fait surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Eleanor 1
Luice 1
Margaret 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Fait surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
John 1
Jule 1

Top occupations

Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Fait households.

FAQ

Fait surname: questions and answers

How common was the Fait surname in 1881?

In 1881, 5 people were recorded with the Fait surname. That placed it at #33,110 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Fait surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 22 in 2016. That gives Fait a modern rank of #36,533.

What does the Fait surname mean?

Of French origin, a surname referring to one who was associated with faithfulness, honesty, or loyalty.

What does the Fait map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Fait bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.