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Porbes Family History

Porbes Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Forbes, Porges, Portes, Porter, Torres, Borges, Fornes, Porras

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Porbes family from?

You can see how Porbes families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Porbes family name was found in the USA, and Scotland between 1841 and 1920. The most Porbes families were found in USA in 1920. In 1880 there were 4 Porbes families living in Louisiana. This was 100% of all the recorded Porbes's in USA. Louisiana had the highest population of Porbes families in 1880.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Porbes surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.

What Porbes family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 223 census records available for the last name Porbes. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Porbes census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search Canadian census records for Porbes

Passenger Lists

There are 94 immigration records available for the last name Porbes. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in Canada, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

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Draft Cards

There are 27 military records available for the last name Porbes. For the veterans among your Porbes ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

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You've only scratched the surface of Porbes family history

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What is the average Porbes lifespan?

Between 1966 and 2001, in the United States, Porbes life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1971, and highest in 1994. The average life expectancy for Porbes in 1966 was 75, and 77 in 2001.

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Porbes ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

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