Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.
FORBES
As described in historical dictionaries
An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)
(origin: Local) Lands free from military service, called Saor Forba, or free lands. The name of a parish in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
Patronymica Britannica (1860)
FORBES. A town and barony in Aberdeenshire. The family jiossessedthat lordship as early as temp. AVilliam the Lion,
Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic