If I wrote on a character named Fay, what would you immediately think about this person based on the name alone?

Well, seeing as it's the name of one of my Youth Leaders...

In short:
I see a woman. Someone who can take jokes and loves to play them. Doesn't see herself as a leader, but takes the role as it's given to her. Attentive and always there when you need her.

A gaunt, plump women who always talks when she is not needed to and always says what is on her mind. She is agreeable and good humoured but doesn't always know when the right time to say things is. She has short cut black hair and always wears what is in fashion. She sometimes puts on too much make-up but no one minds.

Fay: I picture a skinny teenage girl of average height with straight, light brown hair that covers one of her eyes. Slightly insecure, walks with her head down and carries her books tightly in front of her. She can be clever and witty, but only if she's comfortable around the people around her. A very dependable friend once you earn her trust.

If you write "Fay" I think of a quite, simple old soul, certainly female. Probably an old maid.

If you were to write "Fae" I would see a deep, stormy, colorful, ageless-but-young sort of maiden.

A wild and crazy person, thin and wiry, but confused and disgruntled.

A Fairy, female with wings. (Just read a book where fay are fairies)

I see a willowy young woman, pale like a birch with dark, contrasted features. She's graceful and full of life.

Whoa. I went to type my idea then did a double-take because Xander's matched mine almost perfectly. So, I second him

eru

I think of my aunt whose name is Fay and makes really good cakes.

What do you imagine, Pavalini?

What I want.

I am of the persuasion that a person makes the name, not vice versa. However, I wanted to gather whether Fay was an outrageously and obviously feminine name (most would say "Duh!") and whether there was a minority in the population who considered it gender-neutral (like the name "Jesse") or even masculine.

It belongs to my protagonist. His name is Fay Tucker. He's a wiry, tall mountain-boy with forest eyes and earthy hair, which he lets grow wild. He enjoys solitude and teasing wild critters, and has very few, but very dear, friends. His hobby is exploring. Though young and a bit wild, he has a strong sense of dignity and bearing. He carries himself straight and acts politely especially to old folks. He's a tad compliant - not exactly a strong personality. His features are sharper than most, but what sets him apart from the villagers are a pair of pointed ears, which mysteriously came from neither side of the family.

Deo Volente,
Pavalini

That sounds very interesting. Hopefully this is a story you'll post excerpts from?

eru

Dear all,

Thank you for your input! It has helped me re-examine the issue. For plot purposes, my main character needed the name of both Tucker and Fay (each is a surname for one of his parents, from whom he is taken as an infant. The person who took him gives him both his parent's surnames so that they could eventually find him again). I was thinking in lines of Fay Tucker, but why not switch them to Tucker Fay (call him Tuck for short)? Makes much more sense: less feminine.

Deo Volente,
Pavalini

I like Tucker Fay much better. I can't get past Fay being a girl's name. However, as a last name, I don't have an issue with it.

Cool concept, though.

Actually, I thought of a boy similar to the character you described. But it seems to be unusual. I like Fay Tucker.

I knew it could be a last name, I did not know that it was a girl name. I thought of some one like Feanor or Turin, and, to be honest, I thought of some one sinful and cursed. Of course this is almost certainly because I have seen Tolkien use the word Fay.