The name Fabio has its origins in the Latin language and can be traced back to ancient Rome. It derives from the Latin word "faba," which means "bean." The name was likely initially given to children born with a birthmark resembling a bean or was used as a nickname for someone who cultivated or traded in beans.

During the Roman Republic and Empire, the name Fabio was relatively common among both patrician and plebeian families. It was borne by several notable historical figures, including Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus, a Roman statesman and general who employed delaying tactics against Hannibal during the Second Punic War in the 3rd century BC.

Another famous bearer of the name was Fabio Quintiliano, a renowned Roman rhetorician and educator who lived in the 1st century AD. His influential work, "Institutio Oratoria," was a comprehensive treatise on the theory and practice of rhetoric and education.

In the Middle Ages, the name Fabio continued to be used in Italy, although less frequently than in ancient times. One notable figure was Fabio Chigi, who became Pope Alexander VII in 1655. He played a significant role in the architectural and artistic embellishment of Rome during the Baroque period.

During the Renaissance, the name experienced a revival, particularly in Italy. Fabio Calvo, an Italian poet and scholar born in 1456, was one of the most prominent figures of his time. He was a member of the Accademia Romana, a prestigious literary academy in Rome.

In the 17th century, Fabio Bruzio, an Italian mathematician and astronomer, made significant contributions to the field of celestial mechanics. He was born in 1619 and is best known for his work on the orbital motion of comets.

Over the centuries, the name Fabio has been used across various cultures and languages, although it retains its strong Italian roots. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its melodic sound and historical associations with notable figures from ancient Rome to the Renaissance.