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Forbes Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning

Where did the surname Forbes come from? What does the surname Forbes mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Forbes and family migration on YourRoots Map.


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Surname Forbes Origin: What does the last name Forbes mean?

The surname Forbes originates from the Scottish Clan Forbes, deriving from the Gaelic word forba, meaning "field." The name has been associated with the Scottish clan since the 12th century and has historical ties to Ireland as well. The Forbes surname has a rich history and has been present in various countries over the centuries.

YourRoots data shows that the Forbes surname was first recorded in Scotland in the early 12th century and has since spread globally. From the United States to Canada, Australia, and European countries, the Forbes name has established a strong presence. Today, the Forbes surname continues to be prominent in multiple regions, reflecting its enduring legacy and widespread distribution.

Forbes Last Name History: Where did the last name Forbes come from?

Origin of Forbes Surname: Where does the last name Forbes originate from?

Based on the YourRoots data, the surname Forbes was first recorded in Scotland (United Kingdom) around the early 12th century. Please bear in mind that this information only reflects the exact “Forbes” spelling in the YourRoots database and does not include other potential sources or variations of the surname.

History of the Last Name Forbes: What does the Forbes surname history look like in the early days?

The "Forbes" surname was strongly associated with Scotland from the 12th through the 17th century, according to the YourRoots data. The surname started to appear in other countries over time, indicating an increase in global spread.

Global Spread: Where can we find the Forbes surname today?

By the 18th century, the volume of records featuring the Forbes surname had significantly increased in the United States, surpassing Scotland for the first time. This trend continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the "Forbes" surname is prevalent not only in the United States and Scotland but also in various other regions across the globe. The name can be found in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, and across European countries.


Explore Forbes last name heritage and Forbes surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Forbes surname origin, history, meaning based on YourRoots Map dataVIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME FORBES

Famous People With Forbes Surame?

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Michelle Forbes

    Michelle Forbes

    Michelle Renee Forbes Guajardo (born Jan 8, 1965) is an American actress known for her roles in popular TV series like Star Trek: The Next Generation, Homicide: Life on the Street, Battlestar Galactica, 24, and True Blood. She has also appeared in films such as Escape from L.A. and Swimming with Sharks. Forbes has received critical acclaim for her performances, earning nominations for Daytime Emmy Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards, and Saturn Awards. With a diverse career spanning both television and film, Forbes continues to captivate audiences with her talent and versatility.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Mary Forbes

    Mary Forbes

    Mary Forbes (born Ethel Louise Young; 1 Jan 1883 – 22 Jul 1974) was a British-American film actress known for her roles in over 130 films from 1919 to 1958. Originally from England, she made her mark on the London and American stage before transitioning to Hollywood. Forbes was also a mother to three children, two of whom followed in her acting footsteps. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1943 and continued to act until her passing.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Stanhope Forbes

    Stanhope Forbes

    Stanhope Alexander Forbes (Nov 18, 1857 – Mar 2, 1947) was an Irish artist and a founding member of the influential Newlyn school of painters. Known as 'the father of the Newlyn School,' Forbes had a successful career painting landscapes and portraits. He married fellow painter Elizabeth Armstrong in 1889 and later married Maudie Palmer after Elizabeth's passing. Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of his son in WWI, Forbes continued to create art until his death at the age of 89. His legacy lives on through his contributions to the art world and the Newlyn School movement.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Stanhope Forbes

    James David Forbes

    James David Forbes (April 20, 1809 – November 31, 1868) was a Scottish physicist and glaciologist known for his groundbreaking research on heat conduction and seismology. Born in Edinburgh, Forbes became a professor at the University of Edinburgh and later the principal of the United College of St Andrews. His work on glaciers and heat won him prestigious awards like the Rumford Medal and the Royal Medal. Forbes also invented an early seismometer and conducted experiments on the Earth's temperature. His studies on the boiling point of water at different altitudes are still used in statistics today. Forbes made significant contributions to the fields of physics and geology during his lifetime.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Stanhope Forbes

    Newtown Forbes

    Newtown Forbes (April 15, 1980 - ) is a prominent Irish genealogist and historian known for her extensive research on the Forbes family and their ties to County Longford. She has published numerous works on the history of Newtownforbes village and Castle Forbes, shedding light on the legacy of the Earl of Granard. Newtown Forbes's expertise in Irish heritage and culture has made her a respected figure in the field of genealogy, with a particular focus on the rich history of the Clonguish parish. Her passion for uncovering the past and preserving historical records has contributed greatly to the understanding of the Forbes family's influence in Ireland.

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