Fidel

boyLatinChristian

Fidel is a Christian boy name of Latin, via Spanish origin, meaning “Faithful”.

MeaningFaithful
GenderBoy
OriginLatin, via Spanish
Pronunciationfee-DEL
TraditionChristian
Used inMexico, Spain, Cuba, Philippines

Meaning and origin of Fidel

Fidel comes from the Latin 'fidelis', meaning faithful or loyal, built on 'fides', faith. In the Catholic world it is tied to Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, a seventeenth-century Capuchin friar and martyr. The name is used across Spain and Latin America, though it is now strongly associated with Cuban leader Fidel Castro, which affects how it is received in some families and countries.

Is Fidel a Christian name?

The name expresses the Christian virtue of faithfulness, and Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen is venerated as a martyr of the Counter-Reformation.

How popular is Fidel?

Less common today than in the mid-twentieth century.

Gifts with the name Fidel

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Spellings and variants of Fidel

FidelisFedeleFidèle

Names similar to Fidel

More Christian boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Fidel mean?

Fidel means 'Faithful'. It is of Latin, via Spanish origin.

Is Fidel a Christian name?

The name expresses the Christian virtue of faithfulness, and Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen is venerated as a martyr of the Counter-Reformation.

How do you pronounce Fidel?

Fidel is pronounced fee-DEL.

Is Fidel a boy or girl name?

Fidel is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.