patriarch, patriarchs

Definition:

The term "patriarch" in the Bible refers to someone who was a founding ancestor of the Jewish people, particularly Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob.

It also can refer to the twelve sons of Jacob who became the 12 patriarchs of the 12 tribes of Israel.
The term "patriarch" has a similar meaning to "forefather," but more specifically refers to the most well-known male ancestral leaders of a people group.