All about the name

Forest

Male

« Forest is an English given name derived from the Middle English word for 'woodland', reflecting nature and beauty; popularized in late 20th century, it is now increasingly gender-neutral. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Forest is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "forest," which means "woodland" or "tree-covered land." The name Forest is often associated with nature, growth, and beauty, reflecting its connection to the natural world. The use of Forest as a given name is relatively modern compared to other names of English origin. It gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in countries like the United States and Canada. Some notable individuals with the first name Forest include Forest Whitaker, an Academy Award-winning actor, and Forest Gump, the fictional character from the popular novel and film of the same name. While Forest is typically considered a boy's name, it can also be used as a girl's name. In fact, according to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, more girls were named Forest than boys between 2013 and 2020. This trend reflects the increasing popularity of gender-neutral names in recent years. In conclusion, Forest is an appealing given name with a strong connection to nature and the beauty of the natural world. Its origins trace back to Middle English, but its use as a given name is relatively modern compared to other English names. While historically considered a boy's name, Forest has gained popularity as a gender-neutral option in recent years.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Forest since 1880

Total births
17,066
Total since 1880
Peak year
2022
373 births
in 2023
348
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+143%
vs previous 5 years