All about the name

Fabian

Male

« Fabian is a Latin-derived name, originally Fabius, meaning 'bean'. It was borne by early Christian saints and martyrs like Pope Fabian (3rd century). Notably, Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus ('Fabius Cunctator', 2nd century BC) used delaying tactics against Carthaginians. Today, Fabian remains popular in English-speaking countries. »

#464 last year

Meaning, origin, history

Fabian is a name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Fabius, which is believed to have been derived from the Latin word "faba," meaning "bean." The name Fabian is thought to have been borne by several early saints and martyrs in the Christian church, including Saint Fabian, who was a pope in the third century. He was reportedly killed for his faith during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Decius around 250 AD. The name Fabian has also been associated with several notable historical figures throughout history. One such figure is Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus, more commonly known as Fabius Cunctator, who was a Roman general and statesman in the second century BC. He earned his nickname "Cunctator," which means "the delayer," for his strategic use of delaying tactics against the invading Carthaginians during the Second Punic War. The name Fabian has also been popular among royalty throughout history. King Fabian of Dalmatia was a ruler in the fourth century AD, while Emperor Fabian was a Roman emperor in the late third century AD. Today, the name Fabian is still used as both a first and middle name, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. It has consistently ranked among the top 1000 most popular boy names in the United States since records began being kept in the early 20th century. Overall, the name Fabian has a long and rich history that spans centuries and continents. From its origins in ancient Rome to its association with several notable historical figures, the name Fabian continues to be a popular choice among parents today.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Fabian since 1880

Total births
42,875
Total since 1880
Peak year
2007
1,396 births
in 2023
656
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-10%
vs previous 5 years