Surname Arbs - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'A'
Arbs: What does the surname Arbs mean?
The last name Arbs is an interesting one with a possible derivation from multiple sources. It is sometimes a variation of the last name Arbas, which suggests it originated as a toponymic name from a locality called Arbas, which is not well known. Arbas could also be a Hebrew or Jewish surname, originating from the Hebrew 'arba', meaning four.
Another likely source for the surname Arbs is from the Germanic word, which is generally considered to mean ‘tanner’, or ‘person who tans leather’. This is a possible derivation of the surname and could have been acquired if an individual’s family worked as a tanners and adopted the last name as a derivative.
Furthermore, the last name is most likely derived from the Latin verb arbere, which means ‘to plow’. This suggests that the surname originated as an occupational name for an individual who was either a ploughman or worked the land.
In conclusion, the last name Arbs could have a few possible sources, although it is more likely to have originated as a toponymic or occupational name. Its exact origin will ultimately remain uncertain, although the clues of where it could have come from give insight into the possible history.
Order DNA origin analysisArbs: Where does the name Arbs come from?
The last name Arbs is most common today in areas of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. It is believed that the origin of this surname dates back to the 11th century and is of an adjective form derived from the German and Austrian word “Arbeitsch” which means “work”.
In Austria, the family of Arbs is particularly common in the regions of Styria and Vorarlberg, as well as in the nearby states of South Tyrol and Carinthia. In Germany, Arbs is commonly found in areas of Lower Saxony and Bavaria.
The surname is also relatively common in Switzerland, with a few families having originated from cantons of Valais and Geneva, respectively. These Swiss families can be traced back to the late 18th century.
Overall, the surname Arbs is thought to be the most common in Austria and Germany; though, individual families can be scattered throughout Europe today. Those with the last name Arbs might also find the same variant, Arbes, located in Bohemia and Croatia.
Variations of the surname Arbs
The surname Arbs is an anglicized spelling of several other Germanic surnames, including Arps, Harbs, Herbs, Erbs, Herps, and perhaps Erpf. In some cases, the name may be derived from the Germanic personal name Arpbald, or Arpbod, which is composed of the elements arn (eagle) and bald (bold). It was an occupational name for a brave warrior.
Variant surnames of Arbs include Harbaugh, Harb, Harbert, Harbich, Harp, Herp, Herpbören, and Arb. Other variants that may have changed through time would be Harpe, Harpf, and Herpf.
The name Arbs may also be a locational name, derived from the city of Erps in Belgium. It is located near the German city Harb, which originates from a name made with the elements har (wood) and bod (messages). This suggests that Erps could have been a place that sent out wood messages.
In addition to these, other variants found in America include Harpster, Harpstar, Arbogast and Herbs. It is also possible that the Harbach and Herbard variants may have originated from Arbs, since both have the same root.
Finally, surnames derived from professions, such as Arbauer, Arbeiter and Erbauer, may have had their origins in Arbs.
In conclusion, the surname Arbs has several variant spellings and surnames of the same origin, such as Arps, Harbs, Herbs, Erbs, Harp, Herp, Herpbören, Harbaugh, Harb, Harbert, Harbich, Harpf, Herpf, Harpe, Harpster, Harpstar, Arbogast, Herbs, Arbauer, Arbeiter and Erbauer.
Famous people with the name Arbs
- Drew Arbogast: former American football fullback and tight end.
- Ryan Arbogast: retired American soccer goalkeeper.
- Joe Arbogast: former Major League Baseball catcher and outfielder.
- Mark Arbogast: retired college and professional basketball forward.
- James Arbogast: former National Football League defensive tackle.
- Thomas Arbogast: former American football defensive end.
- Ed Arbogast: former professional baseball player.
- Chad Arbogast: former professional baseball outfielder.
- Meshell Arbogast: Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Tommy Arbogast: retired Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Richard Arbogast: retired American basketball player.
- Jay Arbogast: former professional football player.
- Frank Arbogast: former professional baseball pitcher.
- David Arbogast: former Major League Baseball infielder.
- Jesse Arbogast: former American college and professional football player.
- William Arbogast: former professional football coach.
- Elaine Arbogast: professional golfer.
- Tom Arbogast: retired American basketball player.
- John Arbogast: former professional American football player.
- Jeff Arbogast: retired professional American baseball player.