Surname Fobes - Meaning and Origin
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Fobes: What does the surname Fobes mean?
The surname Fobes is of English origin, and is a variant of the more common surname Forbes. The name Forbes is derived from a place in Aberdeenshire, Scotland which was likely named from the Gaelic words "forba," meaning field, and "sithe," meaning peace. Even though Fobes is a less common variant, it is believed to have the same geographical and linguistic roots. Like many surnames of the time, it would have initially been used to identify someone from that specific region. Over time, as people migrated or were displaced due to political or economic circumstances, the surname would move with them, extending its presence beyond its place of origin. Notable people with the surname Fobes include American football player Bradlee Fobes. As with all surnames, specific meanings or associations can differ between families, depending on their individual histories and experiences.
Order DNA origin analysisFobes: Where does the name Fobes come from?
The surname Fobes is of English origin, tracing back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It is believed to be a patronymic surname, derived from the personal name Fabian. Over time, these types of names evolved into fixed hereditary surnames. The spelling variants include Fobb, Fobbs, Fobes, and others.
This surname was first found in the county of Yorkshire, England, where they've held family seats from ancient times, long before the Norman Conquest in 1066. To escape the political and religious chaos of their homeland, many English families migrated to the colonies in North America, which is why it spread to those areas.
Today, the surname Fobes is less common and can be found primarily in the United States, though it is scattered around the world. According to various census data and genealogical research resources, the highest concentration of individuals with the Fobes surname in the US is found in the states of Massachusetts, California, Ohio, and a few others.
Variations of the surname Fobes
The surname Fobes is of English origin and is associated mainly with the regions of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. The surname seems to be a variation of the more common surnames Forbes or Fobbs.
- Forbes: The Scottish surname Forbes has its roots in Aberdeenshire in the northeast of Scotland, where the Forbes family held a barony for several centuries.
- Fobbs: This is a less common variation but can still be found in limited numbers across the UK and America.
Additionally, the surname Fobes might also be confused with or misspelled as:
- Fobs
- Foebes
- Foebs
There may be other related spellings, but these are likely to be rare or individual adaptations. It's also worth noting that some Fobes may have changed their name upon emigrating to different countries, creating further variations.
Surname variations can be the result of many factors including regional dialects, illiteracy (leading to phonetic spelling), and translation between languages. Some families may have chosen to alter their surname intentionally to distance themselves from a family or to assimilate into a new community. Therefore, tracing a specific surname back to its origin can sometimes be a challenging process.
Famous people with the name Fobes
- Scott Fobes: Scott Fobes is an American journalist, author, and business executive. He is the founder and CEO at World Wide Insight, and his career in the tech industry spans four decades. Scott is also a popular speaker who has appeared at leading events around the world.
- Julian Fobes: Julian Fobes is an American politician and current Democratic Party member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for District 189.
- Jeff Fobes: Jeff Fobes is an American environmentalist, entrepreneur, and the founder of the Nature Conservancy of Oregon. He is also the author of the book America’s Natural Legacy: A Guide to Preserving and Protecting Our Natural Resources.
- Stephen Fobes: Stephen Fobes is an American author and historical biographer of multiple political and cultural figures. His biography on Thomas Jefferson won the 2017 International Book Award for Biography.
- Gary Fobes: Gary Fobes is an American sculptor and professor of art at California State University, San Bernardino. He is best known for his large bronze sculptures of animals, particularly horses.
- Sheena Fobes: Sheena Fobes is an American entrepreneur, artist, and the founder of Shotgun Red, a jewelry and accessories brand that specializes in Western and Boho designs.