Origin and Meaning of Forbes

Field or cropland

Origin: Scottish - Derived from the Scottish Gaelic word 'forba', meaning 'field' or 'cropland'. The name is often associated with a place name in Scotland.

• Forbes is a surname that has been used as a given name, especially in Scottish communities and among those of Scottish heritage.
• The name is commonly found in Scottish culture and is associated with several locations in Scotland, including Forbes, a village in Aberdeenshire.
• Notable bearers of the name include Malcolm Forbes, an American publisher known for founding Forbes Magazine, which focuses on business and finance.
• The name has seen occasional use as a first name, particularly among those looking to honor Scottish lineage.
• Variations of the name include Forbes, Forbess, and Forbs, with Forbes being the most widely recognized.