The name Favian has its origins in Latin and can be traced back to ancient Roman times. It is derived from the Latin name Fabianus, which itself comes from the Roman family name Fabius. The Fabii were a prominent patrician family in ancient Rome, and the name Fabianus was given to members of this family.

In its earliest form, Fabianus was likely a cognomen or a additional name given to distinguish individuals within the Fabius family. The root "Fabi" is thought to be related to the Latin word "faba," meaning bean, which suggests that the Fabii may have been known for their cultivation or trade of beans.

One of the earliest recorded historical figures with the name Fabianus was Saint Fabian, who served as the Pope of the Catholic Church from 236 to 250 AD. He is remembered for his leadership during a time of persecution of Christians in Rome and for his efforts to organize the Church's administration.

Another notable Fabianus was Fabianus of Rome, a 3rd-century Christian martyr who was killed during the reign of Emperor Decius for refusing to renounce his faith.

In the Middle Ages, the name Favian emerged as a variant spelling of Fabianus, likely influenced by the French and other Romance languages. One of the earliest recorded bearers of this spelling was Favian the Monk, a 7th-century English monk and scholar who wrote on various religious topics.

During the Renaissance period, the name Favian gained popularity in Italy and other parts of Europe. One notable figure was Favian Strada (1572-1649), an Italian Jesuit scholar and historian who wrote extensively on the history of the Low Countries.

In more recent times, the name Favian has been used in various parts of the world, including Latin America and Europe. Some notable individuals with this name include Favian Perozzi (1938-2022), an Italian painter and sculptor known for his abstract works, and Favian Mendoza (born 1986), a Mexican professional boxer.

While the name Favian has its roots in ancient Roman culture, it has been adopted and adapted across different regions and time periods, reflecting the diverse influences and histories that have shaped the evolution of names.