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![Show Contents]() Forbs Surname History
The story of the Forbs family begins in ancient Scotland among the Pictish clans. The Forbs family lived in the lands of Forbes on Aberdeenshire where the family's history dates back before 1000 AD Early Origins of the Forbs familyThe surname Forbs was first found in Aberdeenshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Obar Dheathain), a historic county, and present day Council Area of Aberdeen, located in the Grampian region of northeastern Scotland, at Pitscottie from 1168, which was later named "the Braes of Forbes." Legend has it that the founder of the Clan, Oconochar, slew a bear in order to take up residence there. One of the first records of the name from this region was Duncan de Forbeys who received a grant of lands c. 1272 from King Alexander III. Later, John de Fernboys was listed as rendering allegiance to King Edward I of England in 1296 and later still, William of Forbace was canon of Aberdeen in 1464. 1 Early History of the Forbs familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Forbs research. Another 159 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1165, 1214, 1380, 1448, 1581, 1590, 1611, 1623, 1626, 1629, 1632, 1644, 1671, 1680, 1684, 1685, 1696, 1704, 1712, 1747 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Forbs History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Forbs Spelling VariationsTranslation has done much to alter the appearance of many Scottish names. It was a haphazard process that lacked a basic system of rules. Spelling variations were a common result of this process. Forbs has appeared Forbes, Forbose, Forbess, Forbeis (Gaelic) and others. Early Notables of the Forbs familyNotable amongst the Clan at this time was Alexander de Forbes, (c. 1380-1448) 1st Lord Forbes, progenitor of the lordship. He was "the eldest son of Sir John de Forbes of that ilk. The lands of Forbes in Aberdeenshire gave name to the family, who trace back their ancestors in it to the time of King William the Lion (1165-1214). Sir John...
Another 62 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Forbs Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Forbs family to Ireland
Some of the Forbs family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 134 words (10 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Forbs familyMany Scots left their country to travel to the North American colonies in search of the freedom they could not find at home. Of those who survived the difficult voyage, many found the freedom they so desired. There they could choose their own beliefs and allegiances. Some became United Empire Loyalists and others fought in the American War of Independence. The Clan societies and highland games that have sprung up in the last century have allowed many of these disparate Scots to recover their collective national identity. A search of immigration and passenger ship lists revealed many early settlers bearing the Forbs name: Alexander Forbes (c.1755-1848) who after serving in the 38th Regiment, settled in Shelburne N.S. and was granted land; Alexander Forbes (c.1793-1830) who served in the North Carolina Highlanders and later settled in Kingston, Ontario.
- Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
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