Tarbrax was built around a shale mine as housing for the miners beginning in the early 20th century. There is a large bing (spent shale spoil heap) in the village. The name is derived from the Lawhead Tarbrax estate within which it was built, which was then owned by David Souter Robertson, a founder of modern Accountancy.
Tarbrax emerged as a settlement around a coal mine in the early 20th century, providing housing for miners. A significant bing, or waste pile, is present in the village. The name Tarbrax comes from the Lawhead estate that encompassed it, previously owned by David Souter Robertson, who helped establish modern accounting practices.