NomOrigine Background

Last Name Fava

What is the origin of the last name Fava?

The surname Fava is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word "fava," meaning "broad bean." The name likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who grew or sold broad beans. Alternatively, it could also have been a nickname for someone who had some association with broad beans or was a fan of eating them. Today, the surname Fava is found in various Italian regions, including Sicily and Calabria.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fava

The meaning and origin of the last name Fava

Fava is an Italian surname of occupational origin, derived from the Italian word "fava" meaning "bean." It is believed to have originally been a nickname given to someone who grew or sold beans or who had a physical characteristic resembling a bean. The surname Fava is most commonly found in the regions of Sicily, Calabria, and Lombardy in Italy. Variants of the surname include Favara, Favero, and Favalli. Throughout history, individuals with the surname Fava have been involved in various professions and activities, contributing to the cultural and societal fabric of Italy. Today, individuals with the surname Fava can be found in countries around the world, as descendants of Italian immigrants who carried their heritage with them to new lands.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fava

The last name Fava is primarily found in Italy, specifically in the regions of Sicily, Calabria, and Lombardy. It is believed to have originated from the word "fava," which means broad bean in Italian. The distribution of the surname is more concentrated in these areas due to historical migration patterns and family roots. However, the name Fava can also be found in other countries with Italian immigrant populations, such as the United States, Argentina, and Brazil. In these regions, individuals with the last name Fava may have ancestral connections to Italy, indicating a spread of the surname outside of its traditional homeland. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Fava reflects the historical movements of Italian families and the cultural ties that bind them together across different continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fava

The last name Fava may have variations and spellings in different regions and languages. Some variations include Favao, Favaro, Favre, and Faber. The name may also be spelled Fabre, Fabra, Faba, and Fabel. These variations could be due to the pronunciation or translation of the name in different countries. For example, in Italy, the name may be spelled Favaro or Fabbri, while in France, it could be spelled Fabre or Fèvre. In Spanish-speaking countries, it might be spelled Fabra or Fabela. Despite the different spellings and variations, the meaning of the name Fava remains consistent. It is derived from the Italian word for fava beans, a popular legume in Mediterranean cuisine. The variations of the last name Fava reflect the diverse linguistic influences and regional dialects of the areas where the name is found.

Famous people with the last name Fava

One of the most well-known individuals with the last name Fava is Steven Fava, an accomplished film producer and director. He has worked on a number of successful projects in the entertainment industry, including award-winning films and television shows. Another notable figure is Maria Fava, a talented singer and songwriter who has gained recognition for her unique musical style and powerful vocals. Additionally, John Fava is a distinguished actor known for his memorable performances on both stage and screen. These individuals have all made significant contributions to their respective fields and continue to be admired for their talents and dedication to their craft.

Genealogical research on the last name Fava

The surname Fava is of Italian origin, specifically from the regions of Sicily and Calabria. It derives from the Italian word "fava," meaning "bean," and was likely a nickname for someone who grew or sold beans. The earliest documented use of the surname Fava dates back to the 15th century in Sicily. Over the centuries, various branches of the Fava family spread throughout Italy, with some members emigrating to other countries such as the United States, Argentina, and Australia. Today, individuals with the last name Fava can be found worldwide, with a concentration in Italy and its diaspora communities. Genealogical research on the Fava surname may reveal connections to noble families, notable figures in Italian history, or simply provide insight into one's own family history and heritage.

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 : 11 April 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

Favaad (Last name)

surnames > favaad

The last name "Favaad" appears to originate from Arabic-speaking regions. It may have originated as a given name or a descriptive term that eventually became a surname.

Favacia (Last name)

surnames > favacia

The last name "Favacia" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the word "favace," which means "fava bean" in Italian. This last name likely originated as a nickname for someone w...

Favade (Last name)

surnames > favade

The surname Favade is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "favade", meaning "favourite" or "pet". This surname may have originated as a nickname for someone wh...

Favaro (Last name)

surnames > favaro

The surname "Favaro" is of Italian origin, derived from the Italian word "fava" meaning "bean". It is likely an occupational surname, referring to someone who grew or sold beans.

Favaz (Last name)

surnames > favaz

The surname "Favaz" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word "fave," which means broad beans. This surname likely originated as a nickname for someone who grew or ...

Favennec (Last name)

surnames > favennec

The last name "Favennec" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "fauvenec" or "fauhenec," which means "young fox" or "fox cub". The name likely originated as a...

Faveur (Last name)

surnames > faveur

The origin of the last name "Faveur" is uncertain. It does not appear to have a specific geographical or cultural origin tied to it. It is possible that it could be a variant or co...

Favi (Last name)

surnames > favi

The surname "Favi" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word for "bean" and likely originated as a nickname for someone who grew or sold beans. This surname may als...

Faviez (Last name)

surnames > faviez

The surname "Fais" seems to have a French origin. It may come from the Savoy region, where it is more frequent, but it is also present in other parts of France. It seems to derive ...

Favor chin (Last name)

surnames > favor-chin

The last name "Favor Chin" is of Chinese origin. "Chin" is a common Chinese surname, and "Favor" could potentially be a translated or anglicized version of a Chinese character or w...

Favorel (Last name)

surnames > favorel

The last name "Favorel" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "favorable," meaning "favorable" or "kind." This surname likely originated as a nickname for som...

Favre (Last name)

surnames > favre

The last name Favre is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "fèvre" or "fabre," which means "blacksmith." The name likely originated as an occupational surname...

Favron (Last name)

surnames > favron

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Favroul (Last name)

surnames > favroul

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Favz (Last name)

surnames > favz

The last name "favz" does not appear to have a known origin or meaning in English.