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Last Name Fagian

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What is the origin of the last name Fagian?

The surname Fagian is of Italian origin. It is derived from the medieval given name Faciano, which means "maker" or "doer" in Latin. Over time, the name evolved into various forms such as Facciano, Faziano, and eventually Fagian in some regions of Italy. The use of surnames became common during the Middle Ages, initially as a way to distinguish individuals within communities, later becoming hereditary and passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fagian

The meaning and origin of the last name Fagian

The surname Fagian, while not particularly common in English-speaking countries, is of Italian origin. It is derived from various places in Italy that share the name "Fagiano," which means "pheasant" in Italian. This suggests that the name could have been a locative surname, indicating that an individual lived near or was associated with a place named after the bird. Alternatively, it may have been an occupational surname for someone involved in raising pheasants. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved, with variations such as Fagi, Fagiuolo, and Faggioli also being found. The name became more widespread outside Italy through immigration, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fagian

The surname Fagian has its origins primarily in Italy, where it is predominantly found in regions such as Abruzzo, Molise, Lazio, and Campania. It is derived from various Italian localities named Faggio (meaning beech tree), which can be found throughout these areas. Over time, the name has been carried by Italian immigrants to other countries, particularly Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States, reflecting the historical migration patterns of Italians. In these nations, the surname Fagian remains relatively concentrated in communities with strong ties to Italy or Italian ancestry. While it is not as common outside these areas, its presence can be traced across various global locales due to the extensive migration of people from Italy over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fagian

The surname Fagian has several variations and spellings, reflecting its regional and historical origins. Some common spelling variants include Fagan, Fahey, Feeney, and Fahy. These variations can be attributed to differences in transcription practices over time, as well as the influence of regional dialects and pronunciation.

Fagian is a less common variant but is still found, particularly among Italian-American families. It is derived from the Italian name Faiano, which comes from the Latin Favianus, meaning "fawn-like." In Italy, the name is most commonly found in the region of Puglia.

In Irish Gaelic, the surname Fagian would likely be associated with the name O Fathachain or MacFathachain, which are derived from the Gaelic word for "smith." These names were traditionally associated with professions related to metalworking and blacksmithing.

Overall, these variations and spellings reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds and historical influences that have shaped surnames over time.

Famous people with the last name Fagian

Notable individuals with the surname Fagan include:

1. Shane Fagan (born 1987), Irish professional boxer who held the WBO European lightweight title from 2008 to 2009.

2. James Fagan (1864–1934), an American journalist, publisher, and social activist, known for his work on labor issues.

3. Brendan Fevola (born 1982), Australian former professional Australian rules footballer who played with the Carlton Football Club and the Brisbane Lions in the Australian Football League (AFL).

4. Maureen Fagan (1933–2021), an American actress, best known for her roles in films such as "The Nun's Story" (1959) and "Ocean's Eleven" (1960).

5. Gerry Fagan (born 1957), an Irish retired Gaelic footballer who played as a goalkeeper for the Meath senior team, known for his role in their All-Ireland Championship wins in 1982 and 1987.

Genealogical research on the last name Fagian

The surname Fagian originates from Southern Italy, specifically from regions like Calabria and Basilicata. It is an Italian patronymic name derived from the personal name Fazio or Fausto, which were popular during the Middle Ages. The name Fagian is a variant of Fazio, likely arising due to regional dialects or transcription errors over time.

Historically, many bearers of this surname emigrated from Italy to other countries, particularly the United States, in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In the U.S., the name is most commonly found in urban centers with large Italian-American populations such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston.

Genealogical records for the Fagian family can be found in various archives including civil vital records, church records, immigration records, and census data. Researchers may also find information about specific branches of the family through local historical societies or genealogical societies specializing in Italian ancestry research.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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