Fabiola is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "faber," which means "smith" or "craftsman." Fabiola was popular among ancient Roman families as it denoted the idea of being skilled or talented in some way.
The name Fabiola first appeared in history during the 4th century, when Saint Fabiola became a well-known figure in the Christian Church. She was born into a wealthy Roman family but chose to live a life of poverty and charity instead. Fabiola dedicated herself to helping those in need, particularly women who were facing difficulties due to their gender or social status.
Her legacy continues today as she is still remembered as a patron saint of those who are suffering from illness or hardship. The name Fabiola has also been used by various notable individuals throughout history, such as the 17th-century Italian noblewoman Fabiola Savelli and the 20th-century Argentine actress Fabiana Cantilo.
Overall, Fabiola is a strong and elegant name that carries with it a rich history of kindness, compassion, and dedication to helping others. It remains popular today among parents who are looking for unique yet meaningful names for their daughters.
The name Fabiola has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. Between 1892 and 1949, there were fewer than ten births per year with the name Fabiola each year, with some years having no recorded births at all.
However, starting from 1950 onwards, there was an uptick in the number of newborn girls named Fabiola. In fact, between 1950 and 1964, there were more than seven births per year on average, peaking at 16 births in 1965.
The decade from 1970 to 1980 saw a significant increase in the popularity of the name Fabiola. Between these years, there was an average of nearly 100 births per year. The highest number of births recorded during this period was 231 in 1990.
Despite the decline in popularity after the late 1980s, Fabiola remained relatively popular throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, with an average of around 250 births per year between 1990 and 2004. However, from 2005 onwards, there has been a steady decline in the number of newborn girls named Fabiola, with fewer than 200 births recorded each year since then.
In recent years, the popularity of Fabiola has continued to decrease, with only 68 births recorded in 2021 and 56 births in 2023. Despite this decline, Fabiola remains a unique and memorable name that has been given to nearly ten thousand girls over the past century and a half in the United States alone.
Overall, while Fabiola may not be as popular today as it once was, its rich history and varied usage make it a noteworthy choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughter.