Fae
/feɪ/noun
A fairy or other supernatural being, especially one associated with folklore and enchantment.
Did you know?Fae ultimately traces to Latin fatum, “what has been spoken,” linking fairy lore linguistically with fate and the divine pronouncements of the Fates.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰeh₂-
“To speak or utter; a reconstructed root associated with words for speech and utterance.”
Classical Latin
Latin
fatum
“That which has been spoken or ordained; fate or destiny.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
fata
“The Fates, later understood in folklore as supernatural female beings.”
12th Century
Old French
fae
“A fairy, enchantress, or supernatural woman.”
13th Century
Middle English
faie
“A fairy or supernatural being.”
Modern English
English
fae
“A fairy or member of a magical supernatural realm, especially in modern fantasy and folklore.”