The Forbes Family History

What Does the Forbes Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Forbes has its roots in Scotland and is derived from the Gaelic word ‘forba,’ which translates to a specific area of land. Variants of the name include Forbeis, Forbose, and Forbess. The largest concentration of Forbes families is found in northern England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, Durham, and Northumberland, extending southwards to the city of London and Middlesex. In Scotland, the earliest known Forbes families established themselves in Aberdeenshire. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, a significant number from this lineage emigrated to Ireland and subsequently to countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Within the U. S., the initial Forbes families were primarily located in South Carolina, New York, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Notable individuals bearing the Forbes name include Bertie Charles Forbes, the journalist and founder of Forbes Magazine in 1917; historian Robert Pierce Forbes; English professional footballer Terrell Forbes; Scottish champion footballer Fred Forbes; actor, writer, and director Bryan Forbes; actress Michelle Forbes; Scottish footballer Alex Forbes; Edwin Forbes, a 19th-century illustrator and artist known for his work during the American Civil War; children’s author Esther Forbes; and singer-songwriter China Forbes.