Firmin

Firmin is a masculine given name of Latin origin, derived from firmus meaning "firm, steadfast." It has been used in French-speaking contexts and appears in various European languages in both historical and modern periods. The name has also appeared as a surname in some cases.

In Christian tradition, Saint Firmin is venerated as an early bishop of Amiens and martyr, a figure associated with the spread of Christianity in Gaul. The veneration of Saint Firmin contributed to the name’s usage in French-speaking regions. A closely related form is Fermín, the Spanish version, best known through Saint Fermín of Pamplona, commemorated during the San Fermín festival.

In literature, Firmin has appeared as a fictional name. The best-known contemporary instance is Firmin, the central character in Sam Savage’s novel Firmin: Adventures of a Metropolitan Cat, about a Parisian rat who reads extensively and contemplates life, ultimately composing writings.

Outside religious and literary contexts, Firmin has been used as a surname and given name in various cultures. Notable individuals with the surname include people in arts, academia, and public life, though specific examples vary by region and time.

See also: Fermín, a Spanish given name; Fermin as a variant spelling of the name.