Origin & Meaning of the Forbes Surname
What does the last name Forbes mean?
The surname Forbes carries the meaning "Son of Forbes." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 33,813 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Forbes ranks as the #1,028 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Forbes come from?
The Forbes surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Forbes name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Forbes trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Forbes |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Forbes |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,028 |
| US Count (2010) | 33,813 |
| Per 100K People | 11.46 |
| First Letter | F |
Ethnic Distribution of Forbes
According to the US Census, the Forbes surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 33,813 Americans with the Forbes last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 70.42% |
| Black | 22.51% |
| Hispanic | 3.61% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.79% |
| Native American | 0.46% |
| Two or More Races | 2.22% |
Popularity of Forbes Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Forbes surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Forbes surname increased by 1,585 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Forbes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forbes
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