Surname Forbus - Meaning and Origin

Forbus: What does the surname Forbus mean?

The last name Forbus is of Scottish origin and believed to have been derived from the place name 'Forbes' in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The name Forbes is itself derived from the Gaelic term 'forba', meaning field, and the suffix '-ais', meaning under, which together roughly translates to 'under field' or 'at the field'. This indicates that the original bearers of the surname were likely dwelling near or working in fields. Since surnames often have regional variants, Forbus may represent an alternate spelling or pronunciation of Forbes over centuries of use. Like many surnames, Forbus would have been used to identity individuals based on their place of origin, distinguishing them from others in a different locality. It was a common practice in medieval times to refer to people by their given name along with their place of origin or occupation. Over time, these descriptors evolved into fixed hereditary surnames like Forbus.

Forbus: Where does the name Forbus come from?

The last name Forbus is of Scottish origin, derived from the lands of Forbes in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The term Forbes is believed to come from the Gaelic ‘Foirbeis’, meaning ‘field’ or ‘district’. The clan Forbes claims an ancient lineage, with the first documented chief dated back in the 13th century. The Forbes family has a strong presence in Scottish history, and their influence spread beyond Scotland during periods of emigration.

Today, the name Forbus is less common, but the individuals bearing this surname can be found mainly in the United States and, to a lesser extent, in England, Canada, and Australia. According to the 2014 United States Census Bureau statistics, the surname Forbus ranks 35004 in terms of frequency, maintaining a concentrated presence especially in southern U.S. states. Despite this, it is notable to highlight that under different spellings, including Forbes, the surname boasts a broader global distribution.

Variations of the surname Forbus

The surname Forbus may have variations and alternate spellings which include: Forbush, Forbess, Forbis, Forbes, Furbush, Furbus, Forbys, Forbuss, Forbous, and Forbese. These variations might be due to regional dialects, phonetic spellings, translation errors, or even spelling mistakes in historical documents.

The surname Forbus is believed to be of Scottish origin. Therefore, it shares its roots with the Scottish surname Forbes, which is derived from the Gaelic name "Foirbeis". The name was first found in Aberdeenshire, in the northeastern part of Scotland.

Variations can also be found in other countries due to Scottish migrations over centuries. For instance, Forbes is a common surname variant in Ireland and the United States. The spelling Forbess is also present in the US as people tried to phonetically spell their names during immigration.

Lastly, some similar-sounding German surnames such as Forbest, Vorbus, or Furbs could be mistakenly attached or confused with Forbus but are usually not associated with the Scottish origin of the surname. Forbus and its variants are relatively rare surnames, giving them a unique charm and historical significance.

Famous people with the name Forbus

• Hunter Forbus: Professional American cyclist.
• Joyce Forbus: Former Miss Universe contestant and American model.
• Daniel Forbus: American actor and fight director.
• Walter Forbus: American college football coach.
• Robert Forbus: American painter and sculptor.
• Deron Forbus: Professional American football player.
• Glen Forbus: Former professional American baseball player.
• Dave Forbus: Professional NBA Draft prospect.
• Patrick Forbus: Professional Australian rules footballer.
• Richard Forbus: Boston Marathon champion.
• Frankie Forbus: Professional golfer.
• Monty Forbus: American NASCAR driver.
• Steven Forbus: Mathematician and computer scientist.
• Carl Forbus: British video game director.
• Al Forbus: Professional Canadian lacrosse player.
• Dan Forbus: Sergeant in the United States Air Force.
• Guy Forbus: Retired American judge.
• Brian Forbus: American contemporary painter.
• Gary Forbus: American poet and short story writer.
• Tristen Forbus: Author, entrepreneur, and public speaker.

Other surnames

Forbush