Surname Faber - Meaning and Origin

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R. Faber

Faber: What does the surname Faber mean?

The surname Faber is of German origin, and it means “smith” in the language. Smiths were often highly regarded people in centuries past, since they were respected for their ability to craft items out of metal and other materials. The name indicates that the individual who bore it was descended from a long line of craftsmen who used their skills to create useful and valuable items.

The surname is fairly widespread throughout the world, with variants such as Fabri, Faberge, Fabritius, Faberge, and Fabrizzo found in various countries. It is common in Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, and other parts of Central and Eastern Europe.

The occupation of “smith” has changed considerably over the centuries. In the past, smiths worked on a wide variety of tools and weapons, from horseshoes and armor to kitchen utensils. Today, smith still produces useful items such as tools, but some specialize in more decorative work such as jewelry, sculptures, or decorative ironwork.

The name of Faber is an enduring one, a reflection of the craft and skill that have been passed down through the generations. Those who have this surname can be proud of their heritage, and of the dedication to craftsmanship and excellence that has been a part of their family for centuries.

Faber: Where does the name Faber come from?

Faber is an old Germanic surname, derived from the Latin word faber meaning “smith.” The given name Faber was commonly used as an honorific given to craftsmen or those with higher social standings. In modern times, the last name Faber is still commonly found in countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It is also found in pockets within other European countries, such as Italy, France, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

In the United States, Faber has remained an uncommon last name. However, it is still periodically found in American records. It is estimated that there are around 6,000 people in the United States with the last name Faber. Most Faber's in the United States can trace their roots back to German or Dutch immigrants who arrived during the mid-1600s.

The name has a long history and traces back to the Latin word ‘faber’ meaning ‘smith’, originally given to those with higher social standings who also happened to be skilled craftsmen. Today, Faber remains a rare surname that can be found in pockets around the world.

Variations of the surname Faber

The surname Faber is of Latin origin and means blacksmith or craftsman. Variants of the surname include Fabre, Fabri, Fabry and Fabrier.

In Italian, Faber is Fabbri, Fabri or Faberi; in Spanish it is Fabra or Fabre; in Portuguese it is Fabra, Fabre or Fabri; and in German, Faber is spelled Faber, Faberin, Faberino, Faberle, Fabri or Faphonower.

In other countries where this surname is common, such as Russia, Uzbekistan, Latvia, and the Czech Republic, surname Faber has similar spelling variants, such as Faber, Fafrer, Fabro, Fabri, Fabor, etc.

In Scandinavia, Faber is spelled Fahrer, Fahr, and Fahri.

In England, the surname was historically commonly found as Faber and Fabrian, Fabryan, Faberesham, Fabersham, Fabium, Fabry, Fabrin and Fabor.

In the United States, the surname Faber is typically spelled in the Germanic form Faber, Faeber, Fenber, Fayber, Feber, or Feiber. Variants with French roots include Faber, Faberge, Faberge', Fabege'.

Today, Faber is found in many cultures around the world in numerous spellings and variations. It is a surname that has been well established for many centuries and is one of a family of related surnames that follow similar rules with regard to spelling and meaning.

Famous people with the name Faber

• Michael Faber: German thriller author best known for his international bestseller, ‘The Crimson Petal and the White’.
• Tim Faber: American rapper, songwriter, and producer.
• Robert Faber: English athlete and winner of a gold medal in 400 meters and 4x400 meters relay at the 1967 European Athletics Championships.
• Johann Faber: German physicist, astronomer, and inventor of the Faber star catalog and Faber chronometer.
• Richard Faber: American artist whose theatrical production of ‘The Emperor Jones’ at the Dallas Theater was hailed as a masterpiece.
• Erick Faber: American singer-songwriter known for his upbeat, folk-inspired music.
• August Faber: German general and commander-in-chief of the Wurttemberg Landwehr during World War I.
• Sonia Faber: American dancer, choreographer, and the recipient of the Balasaraswati/Joy Ann Dewey Beinecke Endowed Chair for Distinguished Teaching in 2009.
• Ignaz Faber: Austrian cellist, composer, and inventor of the Faber cello, the first four-stringed instrument to be played in the modern style.
• Hermann Faber: German architect and designer of many notable public buildings in Mainz, Germany.

Other surnames

FabersFabertFabery