Fabb is one of those rare and fascinating names whose origins have been obscured by a multiplicity of influences. One very likely derivation may be traced to the Olde French occupational name 'Feure' which is a variant of the Latin word 'faber' meaning craftsman. The Olde French rendering of the word amplifies this to 'Iron Worker' or 'Smith'. Another source may be found in the names 'fibb' and 'Phibbs', both of which are pet forms of Philip. This name originates from the Greek name 'Philippos' meaning 'horse lover' ('philein', to love, and 'hippos', horse). The variant 'Faybe' is recorded in the christening of one John Faybe on March 12th, 1620 at St. Martin's, Eastcheap, London, and Clara Louisa Fabbs was christened on the April 28th, 1861 at Monken, Hadley, London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Ann Fabb, which was dated 1617, christened St. Margaret's, Westminster, during the reign of King James I of England and VI of Scotland, 1603 - 1625. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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