NomOrigine Background

Last Name Fabres

What is the origin of the last name Fabres?

The surname Fabres originates from several countries, primarily Spain and France. In Spanish, "Fabres" can be derived from the given name Fabián, which was originally a Roman family name that was brought to the Iberian Peninsula during the Roman Empire period. Over time, it evolved into a surname. In French, the surname Fabres could potentially originate from the occupational name "fabre," meaning a mason or builder. This name was given to someone who worked with stone or metal, specifically someone who created or repaired fabricated objects such as buildings or tools. As with many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation can vary due to historical and geographical factors.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fabres

The meaning and origin of the last name Fabres

The surname Fabres is of French origin, derived from the Occitan word "faber," which means 'smith' or 'metalworker.' Originating in the regions of Languedoc and Provence in southern France during the Middle Ages, the name was given to families whose profession involved working with metal. As society evolved, occupational surnames became commonplace, allowing individuals to be distinguished from one another within their communities. Over time, the spelling of Fabres has undergone various changes due to regional dialects and scribal errors, leading to alternative forms such as Fabre, Fabry, Fabregas, etc., across different countries and regions where it is found today. The surname Fabres can be found among populations in France, Spain, Italy, and other European countries, demonstrating its historical dispersal from its French roots.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fabres

The surname Fabres is predominantly found in the southern regions of France, particularly in the Occitania region, including departments such as Aude, Gard, Hérault, and Tarn. It is also present in other parts of France but at lower frequencies. Outside of France, the name has a significant presence in Spanish-speaking countries like Spain, Argentina, and Uruguay due to historical migration patterns. Additionally, small communities with the Fabres surname can be found in Italy, Switzerland, Brazil, and some other Latin American countries, reflecting the global diaspora of French and Spanish speakers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fabres

The surname Fabres has multiple variations and spellings. Here are some common ones: Fabre, Fabres, Faber, Fabers, Fabra, Fàbrega, Fàbrega, Fabrègues, Fabragès, Fabrer, Fabrers, Fabrese, Fabresi, Fabri, Fabris, Fabbro, Fabbrini, and Fabbricchi. These variations stem from different regions in France, where the name originated, as well as other countries where French influence is present, such as Spain and Italy. The original spelling of the name may have evolved over time due to factors like regional dialects, transcription errors, or changes in orthography. However, the variations can also result from personal preference or attempts at anglicization. Despite these differences, all these forms are derived from the same root: Fabri, which is Latin for 'smith' or 'maker'.

Famous people with the last name Fabres

Notable individuals with the surname Fabre include Jean Henri Fabre (1823-1915), a French entomologist and naturalist known for his studies on insect behavior and the author of over fifty books about the subject. Another well-known figure is Édouard Fabre d'Olivet (1792-1855), a French linguist, philologist, and orientalist who made significant contributions to the study of Semitic languages, including Hebrew, Aramaic, and Syriac. In the realm of art, there is Henri Fabre (1865-1934), a French aviation pioneer and painter, known for his works depicting aircraft and aviators. Lastly, Michel Fabre (born 1952) is a French-Canadian writer, best known for his novels "L'Amant" and "Incidents in the Mirrors of Chronne" which were both finalists for the Prix Goncourt.

Genealogical research on the last name Fabres

The surname Fabres is primarily of Occitan origin, originating from the south of France. It derives from the Latin 'faber,' meaning craftsman or artisan. In medieval times, the Fabre family were often associated with various trades such as blacksmithing, masonry, and woodworking due to their skilled craftsmanship. They were particularly concentrated in regions like Languedoc-Roussillon, where they formed a notable part of the population. The earliest recorded instance of the Fabres family can be traced back to the 13th century in Toulouse, although it is likely that the name existed before this time. Throughout history, the Fabres have been found in various parts of France and their diaspora extends across Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Australia, due to emigration and colonization events. Today, the Fabres family remains a widespread and diverse group with various branches and lineages.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 13 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Fabbk (Last name)

surnames > fabbk

The last name "Fabbk" does not appear to have a known origin in English. It is possible that it may be a variant spelling or a less common surname.

Fabbri (Last name)

surnames > fabbri

The surname Fabbri is of Italian origin. It derives from the occupation of a fabricator or maker of cloth, metal, or other goods. In medieval Italy, craftsmen often took their prof...

Fabcess dhotcom (Last name)

surnames > fabcess-dhotcom

The origin of the last name Fabcess Dhotcom is unclear as it does not appear to have a specific origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it is a fabricated or invented las...

Fabee (Last name)

surnames > fabee

The last name "Fabee" is of French origin. It is derived from the given name "Fabien," which comes from the Latin name "Fabianus," meaning "bean grower" or "related to the Fabii fa...

Fabella (Last name)

surnames > fabella

The surname Fabella is of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "fabellus" meaning "little bean." It is likely to have been originally used as a nickname for someone who was sm...

Faber (Last name)

surnames > faber

The surname "Faber" has Germanic origins. It is derived from the German word "Faber," which means "smith" or "craftsman." The name was originally used to denote someone who worked ...

Fabian chinedu (Last name)

surnames > fabian-chinedu

The last name "Fabian Chinedu" likely originates from Africa, specifically Nigeria. "Fabian" is a Latin-derived name meaning "like Fabius" and may have been adopted by people durin...

Fabian robert (Last name)

surnames > fabian-robert

The last name "Fabian" is of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Fabianus, which itself was derived from the Latin name Fabius. The last name "Robert" is of Old German...

Fabiani (Last name)

surnames > fabiani

The last name "Fabiani" is of Italian origin, derived from the personal name "Fabianus", which was a Roman family name derived from the Latin word "fabia", meaning "bean".

Fabick (Last name)

surnames > fabick

The last name Fabick is of German origin. It is a variation of the surname "Fabich," which is derived from the Germanic personal name "Fabo." The name Fabick likely originated as a...

Fabillaran (Last name)

surnames > fabillaran

The surname "Fabillaran" is of Basque origin. It is derived from the Basque word "fabar," meaning "bean field," and the suffix "-laran," which signifies "place of." This suggests t...

Fabled (Last name)

surnames > fabled

The surname Fabled is of English origin and is believed to be derived from the Old French word "fabliau," which means a short, humorous story or tale. It may have been used as a ni...

Fabozzi (Last name)

surnames > fabozzi

The surname Fabozzi is of Italian origin. It derives from a place name, which is primarily found in the regions of Abruzzo and Molise. The name Fabbro (English: smith) or Fabrizio,...

Fabreag (Last name)

surnames > fabreag

The last name Fabreag is of French origin. It is believed to be derived from the medieval French word "fabrique," meaning forge or workshop, and was likely used as an occupational ...

Fabregat (Last name)

surnames > fabregat

The Spanish last name Fabregat is of Catalan origin. It is derived from the word "fabregada," which refers to a forge or blacksmith's workshop. This could have been an occupational...