Last Name Favin

The surname Favin is of Italian origin. It comes from various locations in Italy, particularly in the regions of Lombardy and Tuscany. The name may have been derived from a place name, such as Favara, a town in Sicily, or it could be a nickname for someone who was favored or beloved. As with many surnames, its exact origin can vary depending on specific families and their individual histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Favin

The meaning and origin of the last name Favin

The surname Favin is of Italian origin, derived from the medieval given name Fabiano, which is a diminutive of the Roman name Fabius. This name was traditionally borne by several early saints, including Saint Fabian, who served as Pope in the third century AD. Over time, the given name Fabiano evolved into the surname Favin, becoming increasingly common throughout Italy and eventually spreading to other parts of Europe. Today, Favin is a relatively uncommon surname but is still found primarily among Italian-speaking populations. It can be spelled in various ways, including Favini, Favina, and others, depending on regional variations and family lineages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Favin

The surname Favin is predominantly found in Western Europe, particularly in Italy and Switzerland. In Italy, it's most concentrated in regions like Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany, reflecting its potential origin from these areas. In Switzerland, it's common in the Italian-speaking cantons of Ticino and Graubünden. Smaller populations can also be found in France and other European countries due to migration patterns over centuries. Additionally, some descendants of Italian or Swiss immigrants bearing the name Favin are distributed across various parts of the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variants and spellings of the last name Favin

The surname Favin has several variations and spellings due to differences in pronunciation and translation over time. Some common spelling variations include Favian, Faivin, Favyn, Faveen, Favine, and Favino. These variations may arise from factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or the influence of other languages. In some cases, the name may also be found with a prefix or suffix, such as De Favin, Le Favin, or Van Favin. Additionally, Favin is of Italian origin and can be traced back to the medieval period where it is derived from the personal name Fabiano, which means "bean grower."

Famous people with the last name Favin

Notable individuals with the surname Favin include:

1. Charles Favin (born 1934), French jazz musician known for his work as a saxophonist and clarinetist. He has collaborated with many renowned artists, including Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli.
2. Jacques Favin (1863-1943), a French painter who specialized in landscapes, particularly seascapes, and still lifes. His works are part of the collection at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.
3. David Favin (born 1967), a Canadian author and journalist best known for his novels "La Vie sans oiseaux" and "Déjeuner chez les cannibales." His works have been translated into numerous languages and he has received several prestigious literary awards in Quebec.
4. Marc Favin (born 1960), a French composer, conductor, and pianist who has worked extensively in the fields of opera, ballet, film, and television music. He is known for his collaborations with choreographer Angelin Preljocaj and filmmaker Claude Lelouch.
5. David Favin (1942-2013), a Canadian artist who painted primarily in watercolors. His works, which often featured urban landscapes and still lifes, were exhibited worldwide and are part of many public collections.

Genealogical research on the last name Favin

The surname Favin originates from France and is a variant of the name Fabien, derived from the Roman family name Fabius. It's believed that people with this surname may have migrated from France to other parts of Europe during the Middle Ages due to political instability or religious persecution. In England, the name was first recorded in Yorkshire during the 13th century. The name has several variations, including Favon, Faveau, and Fava, reflecting regional dialects and spelling conventions over time. Notable individuals with the surname include François Favin (1604-1675), a French painter, and Richard Favin (1826-1910), an English architect. Genealogical research suggests that the Favin family in England may have originated from Normandy or Picardy regions of France.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "favin"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

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