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.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Forbes Rose
Floral · soft ending
Forbes Mae
Sweet · timeless
Forbes Claire
French influence · crisp
Forbes Jane
Literary · strong
Forbes Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Forbes right now?
Rising fast — up 3786 spots — currently #9177 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
What names sound and feel like Forbes?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Forbes also consider these
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.