In the early 19th century, there were two different uses for the name "cup cake" or "cupcake". Before muffin tins were widely available, the cakes were often baked in individual pottery cups, ramekins, or molds. They got their name from the cups they were baked in. The name "fairy cake" is a description of its size. It would be appropriate for a party of small fairies to share a fairy cake. English "fairy cakes" vary in size more than American cupcakes. They are normally smaller and are rarely topped with much icing.