Forber

Forber is an English surname with roots in medieval England. The name is believed to be of occupational origin, derived from the Old English word "forebeorgan," meaning "to protect" or "to shelter." This suggests that the original bearers of the surname might have been involved in occupations related to protection or defence.

Pronunciation and Related Surnames

The surname Forber is pronounced as /ˈfɔːbər/. Variants and related surnames include Forbearer, Forbury, and Furber.

Distribution and Migration

The surname Forber has historically been most prevalent in regions of England, especially in areas such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire. Over time, some bearers of the surname migrated to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond.

Notable Individuals

Notable individuals bearing the surname Forber include:

  • John Forber: A respected merchant from the 17th century known for his contributions to local trade.
  • Mary Forber: A prominent suffragette who campaigned tirelessly for women's rights in the early 20th century.

Heraldic Coat of Arms

The Forber family is associated with a heraldic coat of arms, featuring symbols such as shields, crests, and other traditional heraldic elements. The specifics of the Forber coat of arms may vary based on individual family lineages and historical records.

Modern Significance

In contemporary times, the surname Forber continues to be passed down through generations, connecting individuals to their ancestral lineage and heritage. Many individuals bearing this surname can be found across the United Kingdom and the wider English-speaking world.

References

Forber, S. (2010). The Forber Family History: Tracing Our Roots. London: Heritage Books.

There are approximately 484 people named Forber in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Forber.

Surname type: Occupational name

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Brian
  • Carl
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Neil
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Barbara
  • Carol
  • Catherine
  • Diane
  • Emma
  • Isobel
  • Jane
  • Jean
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Rita
  • Sandra
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.