Fontaine is a French-derived surname and given name, meaning 'fountain' in French. It can be traced back to medieval France where it was often used as a nickname for someone who lived near a fountain or had a fountain-like personality. The name has gained popularity over time and is now found worldwide, with notable bearers including American actors like Fontaine Fox and Fontaine Syer.
The name Fontaine experienced fluctuating popularity throughout the years, with peaks in recent decades. From its highest point in the 1970s (13 births in 1978), it has seen a steady decline to its current level (5 births in 2006 and 2007). Despite this trend, Fontaine remains a recurring choice for parents, with at least five babies given the name annually since 1994.