Fabiola is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "faber," which means craftsman or smith. The name Fabiola was first popularized in the 4th century through Saint Fabiola, an Italian woman who became a legendary figure for her charitable works during a time of plague. In many cultures, Fabiola is associated with strength, creativity, and independence due to its masculine root and historical figure's accomplishments. It has been used throughout history in various regions, including Italy, Spain, France, and South America, making it a name with international appeal. The name Fabiola gained further popularity in the English-speaking world during the mid-20th century and continues to be used today.
The name Fabiola experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time. From the late 19th century to around mid-20th century, its usage was sporadic and relatively low, with fewer than 15 births per year on most occasions. However, beginning in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, Fabiola's popularity surged dramatically, reaching a peak of 221 births in 1989. This high level of popularity persisted until around the mid-1990s, after which it gradually declined, dropping below 50 births per year by 2020, indicating that Fabiola is now much less common than it once was. Overall, over its history, Fabiola has been given to a total of 9270 newborn girls.