Last Name Fave

The surname Fave does not have a definitive or widely accepted origin that can be traced to one specific source. Like many surnames, it could have originated from various sources such as a geographical location, an occupational title, a nickname, or a place of residence. In some cases, the surname Fave could originate from the French word "fauve," meaning wild beast, which might have been used as a nickname for someone with a wild or fierce personality. However, it's important to note that this is just one possible origin theory and may not apply to all individuals with the last name Fave. Another possibility is that the surname could be of geographical origin, derived from places named Fave or Faive in France or Italy. For example, there are several villages in France named Faivre and Faugeres, which might have contributed to the formation of the surname Fave over time. Ultimately, the exact origin of the surname Fave remains unclear and may require further research and analysis to determine its roots more accurately.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fave

The meaning and origin of the last name Fave

The surname Fave is primarily of French origin, stemming from various regions in France such as Normandy, Picardy, and Champagne. It is derived from several sources, with one being a nickname for a person known for their frivolous or lively nature, derived from the Old French word "fae" meaning "happy" or "joyful." Another possible origin is a topographic name for someone who lived near a stream called Fave or Faie. The surname Fave has been recorded in various forms over time due to differences in spelling and transliteration, including Faveau, Faivre, Favre, and Favez. It is also found in other European countries as a result of migration from France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fave

The surname Fave is primarily found in France, particularly in regions such as Brittany and Normandy, where it originated from medieval times. Over time, French immigrants brought the surname to other parts of the world, especially North America, with significant populations in Quebec and Louisiana, due to historical French settlements there. In addition, the surname can also be found in small numbers in other European countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Spain, as well as in English-speaking countries like Canada and the United States, often due to immigration from France or from other European countries where the name is prevalent. The distribution of the surname Fave reflects its historical origins and subsequent migration patterns of French settlers and their descendants over several centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fave

The surname Fave can be found with various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Here are some of the common variants: Favey, Favey, Favay, Fawey, Fawie, Favia, Favie, Favier, and Fawier. These variations may occur as a result of misspellings, assimilation to surrounding names, or differences in accent and dialects. Regardless of the specific spelling, all these variants can be considered derivatives of the original surname Fave.

Famous people with the last name Fave

Notable individuals with the surname Fave include:

1. Marion Favé (born 1982), a French football player who plays as a goalkeeper for Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims and the France national team.
2. Jean-Baptiste Favé-Marquet (1860–1945), a French painter, decorator, and illustrator known for his murals in Paris Métro stations.
3. Julien Favre (born 1988), a French professional basketball player who plays for ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne of the LNB Pro A.
4. Élisabeth Favez-Boutonier (born 1950), a Swiss politician and member of the Green Liberal Party. She served as a member of the National Council from 2003 to 2019.
5. Jean-Jacques Favier (born 1947), a French test pilot and astronaut who was part of the European Astronaut Corps. He made two spaceflights, including serving as a payload specialist on Space Shuttle mission STS-61-C in 1986.
6. Éric Favez (born 1960), a French politician and lawyer who has served as a member of the National Assembly since 2017 for the Socialist Party. He previously served as Mayor of Saint-Quentin, Aisne from 2008 to 2014.

Genealogical research on the last name Fave

The surname Fave originates from France, specifically from the region of Normandy. The name is a variant of Faivre, which means "smith" or "blacksmith" in French. The Faves were originally blacksmiths and ironworkers, a common occupation among the Normans during the Middle Ages.

One notable bearer of the surname was Jacques Fave, who served as the Mayor of Caen, Normandy, from 1528 to 1534. The Faves also played significant roles in the French Resistance during World War II.

Over time, the name spread to other parts of Europe, including Belgium, Italy, and Spain, due to migration and conquests. In some instances, the spelling of the surname has evolved over the centuries, with variations such as Favier, Faivre, Favre, and Fave appearing in records.

Today, the Faves can be found in various countries worldwide, with concentrations in France, Belgium, Canada, and the United States. Genealogical research often reveals connections to other French-origin surnames such as Duval, Leclerc, and Boucher.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "fave"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 29 July 2025

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