Surname Forbes - Meaning and Origin

Reflections on Identity and Heritage: Personal Insights from My iGENEA DNA Test as a Forbes

When the opportunity arose to explore my genetic lineage through the iGENEA DNA test, I was eager. It was not just a window into my heritage, but an exploration into how my surname "Forbes" formed part of my identity.

V. Forbes

Forbes: What does the surname Forbes mean?

The surname Forbes is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic term "forba" which means 'field' or 'district'. The name was originally used to denote a person who lived near a field or a distinct region. It is also linked to Clan Forbes, a Highland Scottish clan from Aberdeenshire, which further popularized the name. The Forbes clan's motto "Grace Me Guide" indicates their deeply rooted Christian faith. They have been a powerful and influential clan, producing notable historical figures over the centuries. Despite these Scottish origins, the name has since spread to various parts of the world due to emigration. Today, it is also known for its connection to Forbes magazine, a prominent business publication in the United States. However, it's important to note that having the Forbes surname doesn't necessarily imply association with the Scottish clan or the business magazine, as family names can have multiple independent origins.

Forbes: Where does the name Forbes come from?

The surname Forbes is of Scottish origin, deriving from a geographical location – a district in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The name Forbes is speculated to be sourced from the Gaelic term "Forba" which means 'field' or 'district', and the suffix "es" meaning 'of the'. Therefore, individuals with this surname likely had ancestral ties to this area.

In terms of medieval literature, the earliest known record of the Forbes family traces back to a man named John de Forbes in Scotland around the 12th century. The Forbes Clan was prominent in Scottish history, particularly in the Wars of Scottish Independence, playing a significant part in fighting for Scotland's freedom.

Today, the surname Forbes remains most common in Scotland, especially around Aberdeenshire. However, due to historical emigration patterns, particularly during the era of the Highland Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries, the surname has spread. It is now fairly common in countries that have strong historical ties to Scotland through immigration, such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Forbes

The surname Forbes is of Scottish origin and derives from the Gaelic term "fearbeas", which can be interpreted to mean "at the field" or "in the grassland". A notable Clan Forbes has a long history in Scotland.

Alternative spellings and variants of the Forbes surname can be dependent on regional pronunciation, translation, or even personal preference. Some variations include Forbess, Forbose, Forbeis, and Forbis. These are less common but can still be found in certain records. Similarly, Furbes and Ferbis are rare versions of the surname that possibly evolved due to phonetic translations.

Spellings like Foorbes or Foarbes, although very unusual, could also potentially exist. Similarly, transcriptions errors during the creation of written records could have lead to format alterations such as Fobes, Frobes, or even Vorbis.

It's also important to note that sometimes, the prefix 'Mac' or 'Mc' (son of) is occasionally added to surnames in Scotland, so MacForbes or McForbes could be possible, albeit infrequent derivatives.

Please note that the validation of these forms requires genealogical research or genetic testing. Inclusion on this list does not automatically guarantee widespread or historical use.

Famous people with the name Forbes

• B.C. Forbes: Founder of Forbes Media and Forbes Magazine.
• Malcolm Forbes: Son of B.C. Forbes, former publisher of Forbes Magazine.
• Steve Forbes: Son of Malcolm Forbes, current editor-in-chief of Forbes Magazine and former presidential candidate.
• Tim Forbes: Son of Malcolm Forbes, current chief operating officer of Forbes Media.
• Christopher Forbes: Son of Malcolm Forbes, Vice Chairman of Forbes Media.
• Robert Forbes: Son of Malcolm Forbes, part of Forbes Media's family leadership.
• Moira Forbes: Daughter of Steve Forbes, the publisher of ForbesWoman.
• Mike Forbes: Former NHL hockey player.
• Michelle Forbes: American actress known for her work in television series like "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "The Killing."
• Bryan Forbes: British film director, screenwriter, and actor.
• Esther Forbes: American novelist and writer, known for her book "Johnny Tremain."
• Chin Forbes: College basketball coach.
• John Forbes Nash Jr.: Mathematician and recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economics. (His last name is Nash, but Forbes is part of his full name.)

Other surnames

Forbess