It was originally called "Balincaguin" that was derived from the Zambal phrase "Bali Lan Caguin" which means "abode of bats".

This name referred to the nocturnal mammals (bats) that inhabited the caves found in the hills and mountains between the municipality and Zambales in the west and Tarlac to the south-west.

Other products such as corn, sugar cane, cotton and so forth were also demanded and consequently, distributed widely through numerous markets.

The municipality was merged with Alaminos, Bani, Anda, Dasol, Burgos, Bolinao and Infanta in 1904 and presently comprises the province's first district.

Poverty incidence of Mabini Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Mabini, belonging to the first congressional district of the province of Pangasinan, is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a municipal council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code.