Declining since 2006, #468 for boys today.
Popularity of Fabian since 1882
Babies named Fabian per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 42 |
| 1910s | 213 |
| 1920s | 353 |
| 1930s | 253 |
| 1940s | 247 |
| 1950s | 503 |
| 1960s | 1,624 |
| 1970s | 2,636 |
| 1980s | 4,440 |
| 1990s | 8,080 |
| 2000s | 11,969 |
| 2010s | 9,793 |
| 2020s | 4,092 |
Meaning & origin
Fabian has been in continuous use in the United States since at least 1882, the first year the Social Security Administration tracked baby names. It reached its peak popularity in 2007, when it ranked 468th. Currently, in 2025, the name has a 1-in-2,608 frequency and has been falling in popularity since 2006. Fabian is most popular in the states of New Mexico, Nevada, and Texas, where Hispanic and Latin American cultural influences are strong, and the name has a long history of use. Despite its decline, Fabian remains a recognizable classic with a distinctly rhythmic, three-syllable sound that pairs well with many surnames.
The name Fabian is derived from the Latin family name Fabius, which is of uncertain etymology but is often connected to the Latin word 'faba' meaning 'bean'. It was borne by a 3rd-century pope and martyr, Saint Fabian. The name has been used in England since the Middle Ages, though it remains relatively uncommon.
Where Fabian is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Fabian” around the world
Where Fabian lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Fab, Fabe, Bian
Sibling names for Fabian
Names that share Fabian's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Fabian
Names whose popularity has moved with Fabian's over the last 50 years.
