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Fabiola

♀ Girl

Pronounced fah-bee-OH-lah /fæˈbiːoʊlə/High

Meaning: Latin feminine diminutive of Fabius, a Roman family name derived from 'faba' meaning 'bean,' hence 'bean grower' or 'of the Fabian family.'High

In 30 seconds: An elegant Latin name with ancient Roman roots, borne by a celebrated 4th-century Christian saint. Fabiola pairs classical grandeur with a melodic four-syllable rhythm beloved in Spanish and Italian cultures.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningLatin feminine diminutive of Fabius, a Roman family name derived from 'faba' meaning 'bean,' hence 'bean grower' or 'of the Fabian family.'
U.S. rank (2024)#3123 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births51 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1995
Total births (all-time)≈ 9,321

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199518922024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Fabiola is the feminine diminutive of the Roman family name Fabius, itself derived from the Latin faba meaning 'bean.' The Fabii were one of Rome's most ancient patrician clans. The name became widely known through Saint Fabiola, a 4th-century Roman Christian who divorced her abusive husband, did public penance, and devoted her considerable wealth to caring for the sick and poor. Jerome wrote her biography in a celebrated letter, cementing her as a heroine of early Christianity.

From its Roman and Christian foundations, Fabiola spread through Catholic Europe and later became especially popular in Spain, Italy, and Latin America. Queen Fabiola of Belgium (1928–2014), born a Spanish noblewoman, brought the name to modern European attention. Today Fabiola remains a cherished name across the Hispanic world, carrying both classical elegance and saintly heritage.

Did you know? Saint Fabiola of Rome (died 399 AD) was a wealthy noblewoman who sold her fortune to build the first public hospital in Western history — a pioneering act of Christian charity celebrated by Saint Jerome.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name — Fabiola — Latin etymology and saint's historyJerome, Epistula 77 (Letter on Fabiola) — primary source on Saint Fabiola

Variations

FabianaFabiaFaviola

Nicknames

FabiFabyOla

Famous Bearers

  • ★Fabiola (c. 325–399)
    Roman Christian noblewoman and saint who founded the first public Christian hospital in the West; commemorated on 27 December.
  • ★Fabiola of Belgium (1928–2014)
    Spanish-born Queen consort of Belgium, wife of King Baudouin, noted for her humanitarian and philanthropic work.

If you like Fabiola…

Fabiana— feminine form of the same Latin root Fabius with similar melodic sound
Fabia— shorter Latin variant sharing the Fabian family origin
Marcela— four-syllable Latin-origin name popular in the same Spanish-speaking cultures
Camila— elegant Latinate girls' name with comparable rhythm and cultural reach

Frequently Asked

What does the name Fabiola mean?

Fabiola is a Latin diminutive of Fabius, meaning 'bean grower' or 'of the bean family,' from the Latin word faba (bean).

How do you pronounce Fabiola?

Fabiola is pronounced fah-bee-OH-lah /fæˈbiːoʊlə/ — four syllables with stress on the third.

Is Fabiola a boy or girl name?

Fabiola is exclusively a girls' name, the feminine diminutive of the Roman name Fabius.

How popular is Fabiola?

Fabiola is well established in Spain, Italy, and Latin America, and moderately used in Hispanic communities in the United States.