fidelis

Fidelis is a Latin adjective meaning faithful, loyal, or trustworthy. It derives from fides, faith or trust, and has historically described persons or things marked by reliability and constancy. In classical Latin, fidelis functions as a descriptive term applied to individuals or actions that embody steadfastness and loyalty, and it has continued to be used in later Latin writings and inscriptions as a versatile descriptor and in mottoes.

In modern usage, fidelis is frequently employed as a proper name for organizations, businesses, and initiatives intended to convey reliability and trust. It is also encountered as a given name in some cultures and historical contexts, often in religious or scholarly settings. In branding and philanthropy, the term appears in organization names and campaigns to evoke steadfastness and fidelity.

Beyond its Latin roots, related terms in English include fidelity and faithful, while Latin cognates include fides (trust) and fidelitas (fidelity). The word often appears in discussions of ethics, loyalty, and trust, and its usage spans literature, ecclesiastical contexts, and contemporary branding.

See also: Fides, Fidelity, Faith, Loyal.