The surname Fabra is of Catalan origin. It derives from a medieval occupational name for a weaver, specifically one who worked with wool. The term "faba" means bean or pea in Old Catalan, and the name could have also been a metonymic occupational name for someone who dealt with beans or peas, such as a trader or farmer specializing in them.
The name is common in Catalonia, Spain, where it is often spelled Fabra in the modern era, but can be found in various spellings like Fabray, Fabre, and Fabrae in other regions due to migration and name transliteration over time.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Fabra
The meaning and origin of the last name Fabra
The surname Fabra is of Catalan origin, derived from the occupational name for a fabric maker or weaver. In Old Catalan, "fabra" meant 'weaver' or 'maker of cloth', and thus, the surname Fabra was likely given to individuals who were involved in the textile industry. The surname is common in regions of Spain, particularly in Catalonia, where it has a long history dating back to medieval times. Over time, variations of the name have emerged due to spelling changes, migration, and assimilation, such as Fabrae, Fabrer, Fabre, and Fabray. The surname Fabra is also found among Catalan immigrants in other parts of the world, especially South America and the United States.
Geographical distribution of the last name Fabra
The surname Fabra is primarily concentrated in Spain and its autonomous communities, particularly in Catalonia, where it is most frequent. In this region, it is found predominantly in the provinces of Barcelona, Girona, and Tarragona. However, the name also has a presence in other parts of Spain, such as Valencia, Aragon, and Balearic Islands. Outside of Spain, Fabra can be found among Spanish-speaking communities in South America, particularly in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, due to historical migration patterns. Additionally, there are pockets of people with the surname Fabra in France, Italy, and the United States, primarily as a result of immigration from Spain.
Variants and spellings of the last name Fabra
The surname Fabra has various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variations include Fabray, Fabraye, Fabre, Fabrae, Favra, Favray, Fabar, Fabbray, and Fabbray. These variations may originate from slight phonetic changes or regional dialects, while some may also be due to the influence of different languages, as the name is of Latin origin and can mean "bee keeper." In a genealogical context, it is important to consider these variations when researching family history.
Famous people with the last name Fabra
Notable individuals with the surname Fabra include:
1. Joan Fabra i Fargas (1867-1942), a Catalan poet and literary critic, considered one of the leading figures of Modernisme, a late 19th-century Catalan literary movement.
2. Lluís Fabra i Puig (born 1945), a Spanish politician who served as President of the Generalitat of Catalonia from 1980 to 1984.
3. Josep Fabra i Puig (1867-1936), a Catalan architect, engineer, and urban planner, known for his work on the Modernist buildings of Barcelona.
4. Jordi Fabra (born 1965), a Spanish musician and songwriter, best known as the vocalist, guitarist, and main composer of the band Sopa de Cabra.
These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as literature, politics, architecture, and music in their respective regions and times.
Genealogical research on the last name Fabra
The surname Fabra is of Catalan origin and is derived from the occupational name "faber," which means "smith" in Latin. The name was commonly used among blacksmiths or metalworkers in medieval Catalonia, Spain. Notable individuals with the last name Fabra include:
1. Joan Fabra i Fuster (1894-1970), a Spanish painter and printmaker, known for his graphic work and his association with the avant-garde Dada movement.
2. Francisco Fabra y Fuertes (1861-1940), a Mexican diplomat who served as Secretary of Foreign Relations from 1923 to 1928.
3. Juan Fabra y Puig (1875-1940), a Spanish historian and politician, known for his studies on the history of Catalonia.
4. Antonio Fabra i Gallego (1863-1930), a Spanish journalist, poet, and writer who coined the term "regionalism" to describe the cultural movement in Catalonia during his time.
5. Salvador Fabra i Puig (born 1963), a Spanish economist, politician, and professor, serving as Minister of Education from 2018 to 2020.
The Fabra family also has ties with the textile industry in Catalonia. The Fabra i Coats factory, founded by the Fabra brothers in 1775, was one of Europe's largest textile manufacturers during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
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