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.
The name Fabian has seen a significant rise in popularity over the years in the United States. According to records, there were only 5 births with the name Fabian in 1882. However, by 1959, this number had increased to 160 births, marking a substantial increase in popularity.
The trend continued throughout the late 20th century and early 21st century. In 1977, there were 321 babies named Fabian at birth, and this number more than doubled by 1985 with 459 births. The peak of popularity for the name Fabian occurred in 2000 when there were 1081 babies given this name.
However, since then, the popularity of the name Fabian has been on a gradual decline. In 2010, there were 1042 births with the name Fabian, and by 2023, this number had decreased to 656 births. Despite this decrease in recent years, the name Fabian remains popular among parents in the United States.
Overall, the statistics show that while the popularity of the name Fabian has fluctuated over time, it has generally become more popular since the mid-20th century and remains a well-liked choice for parents today.