Forbes

“Field or pasture”

Scotland origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#9177US 2023

8Births / yr

↑Rising

216All-time births

📅 Since 191300

How to pronounce Forbes

FAWRBZ

/ˈfɔrbz/ · stress on FAWRBZ · 1 syllable

“Field or pasture”

Scotland origin · Boy name

What does Forbes mean and where does it come from?

Forbes is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic 'Forba', meaning 'field' or 'pasture'. The name has been borne by the prominent Scottish clan, Clan Forbes, which played a significant role in Scottish history. Forbes is also a popular surname and has been adapted as a first name. The name has g

Cultural significance

Forbes has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of field or pasture.

Peak popularity

Reached #2344 in 1945 — currently #9177 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Forbes?

Forbes works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Forbes Grace

How popular is Forbes right now?

Rising fast — up 3786 spots — currently #9177 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#9177 · Top 6.8%

1915

1925

1935

1945

1950

1990

2015

2020

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#9177	8	▲ up 3786 · +60% births
2022	#12963	5	▼ down 2357 · -17% births
2020	#10606	6	▲ up 1573 · +20% births
2015	#12179	5	▼ down 4887 · -17% births
1990	#7292	6	▼ down 3405 · +20% births
1950	#3887	5	▼ down 1543 · -50% births
1945	#2344	10	▲ up 1511 · +100% births
1935	#3855	5	▲ up 582
1925	#4437	5	▼ down 1998 · -55% births
1915	#2439	11	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Forbes

Best Year1945Rank #2344

Peak Count11

Average Rank#6918

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202310 years

The story of Forbes

Forbes entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 216 total births recorded, Forbes remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2439 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9177 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Forbes in 1945:

James Robert John William Richard

Forbes by decade

Forbes peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →

Decade	Births
1910s ★	56
1920s	46
1930s	27
1940s	18
1950s	23
1970s	5
1990s	11
2000s	7
2010s	17
2020s	6

💎Forbes has only 216 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Forbes?

Common

ForFoOrbes

What names sound and feel like Forbes?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Forbes also consider these

Forres

International · A International name

Forrest

USA · English

Forney

American · Derived from the

Hobbes

American · a fox

Folkes

International · A International name

Fontes

International · A International name

Fowkes

International · A International name

Fowles

International · A International name

Common questions about the name Forbes

What does the name Forbes mean?

Forbes means "Field or pasture" — a name rooted in Scotland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Forbes?

Forbes is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Forbes have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Forbes?

Forbes originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Forbes?

Forbes is a one-syllable name pronounced F AO1 R B Z. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Forbes sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Forbes flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Forbes ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.