US Popularity Rank: 16755

Origin: French

Meaning: Beech forest

Lafayette is a masculine name sure to make those who speak it stand up to attention. While exuding major Aristocratic energy, Lafayette actually stems from the French la faieta, meaning "beech forest." Far from underwhelming, beech trees have been celebrated by many ancient cultures as symbols of prosperity, wisdom, and magnificent change. How fitting that Lafayette's greatest claim is that of French general Marquis de Lafayette, considered a great hero in both the American Revolutionary War and the French Revolution.