Broad bean is also known as horse bean, Windsor bean, English bean, tick bean, fava bean, field bean, and pigeon bean. Broad beans are sometimes classified into subspecies according to varieties and their uses in various countries.

The origin of broad beans is obscure, but the best information indicates the Mediterranean area. Broad beans were grown widely in Europe during prehistoric times, and they were well known to the Egyptians and Romans. Remains are reported to have been found in Egyptian tombs.