Surname Forbis - Meaning and Origin

Forbis: What does the surname Forbis mean?

Forbis is a surname of Scottish origin that is derived from the Old Gaelic "Fuaran," which means "the spring." The name was initially used as a descriptive name for someone who lived near a spring or a stream. Variations of the surname include Forbes, Forbus, Forbear, and Forbois. Families bearing the surname Forbis have been traced back to Aberdeenshire in the northeastern part of Scotland, where they held a family seat for many centuries. The family has played a significant role in Scottish history and has contributed notably to the political and social fabric of the country. Like many Scottish surnames, many bearers of the Forbis name migrated to other parts of the Commonwealth, particularly North America, during times of political unrest and economic hardship. Therefore, there are substantial numbers of people with the Forbis name living in countries like the United States and Canada. Despite these migrations, the surname remains strongly associated with Scotland.

Forbis: Where does the name Forbis come from?

The surname "Forbis" belongs to the category of surnames that were derived from place names. It is believed that the name originated in Scotland and later spread to North Ireland during the 17th century due to the plantation of Ulster, and then to America in the 18th and 19th centuries due to immigration.

Specifically, "Forbis" appears to come from the place called "Forbes" in Aberdeenshire, northeastern Scotland. This place name "Forbes" is possibly derived from Gaelic ‘forba’, meaning ‘field’ or 'district', and the additional element ‘ais’, meaning ‘under’. The surname had been associated with this area since the 13th century when Alexander de Forbes was granted lands there by King Alexander III of Scotland.

Today, the name Forbis is most common in the United States. It can be found in higher concentrations in states such as Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, and Tennessee. It is less common in other English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. However, the original form of the surname, "Forbes," is more common and widespread in these places.

Variations of the surname Forbis

The surname Forbis is primarily of Scottish origin and has numerous alternative spellings and variations, evolved over years and across different regions.

Some common variations and spellings include Forbes, Forbs, Forbess, Forbus, Forbush, and Fobbs. Certain names that may stem from the same Scottish origin can include Forbett, Forber, and Forbat.

Genealogically, these name variations can occur for many reasons, such as translation issues and phonetic spelling by clerks or census takers in different regions. Sometimes, a family may also voluntarily change spelling over time for personal or societal reasons.

Many times the ‘s' was dropped or added depending on regional accents and interpretations. Thus, if you are researching your family history with the name Forbis, it may be beneficial to also consider these different variant spellings. Similarly, if you carry one of these similar surnames, it might be possible that you share a common ancestry with the Forbis lineage, and connect to the Scottish roots of this surname. It's also important to note that surname research can be complex and these potential connections may not apply to all individuals carrying these surnames. Individual research and genetic testing can give more accurate and personalized results.

Famous people with the name Forbis

• Bill Forbis: A renowned American football player, coach, and a high school principal, Bill was particularly popular in the mid-20th century, specifically in Texas.
• Dan Forbis: Known as a former basketball player for the Purdue University.
• Vanessa Forbis: She is a successful actress involved in movies like "When Jeff Tried to Save the World", and "Hatboxes."
• Pat Forbis: An actress prominently known for her work in the movie "The Lost World" in 1998. Please note that the surname 'Forbis' is not widely recognized in the celebrity landscape hence there are not many famous individuals with this surname.

Other surnames

Forbish