What does Deforest mean and where does it come from?
Deforest is a surname that has transitioned into a first name. It is of French origin, deriving from the word ‘forêt’, meaning forest. The name has historical significance, and one notable bearer is the American film director and producer Ralph DeForest. It reflects a connection to nature and land,
Cultural significance
Deforest has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the forest.
Peak popularity
Reached #646 in 1881 — currently #1881 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Deforest?
Deforest works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Deforest Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Deforest Rose
Floral · soft ending
Deforest Mae
Sweet · timeless
Deforest Claire
French influence · crisp
Deforest Jane
Literary · strong
Deforest Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Deforest right now?
Holding steady — currently #1881 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1881 | 319 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2022 | #1886 | 299 | ▲ up 5 · +11% births |
| 2021 | #1891 | 269 | ▲ up 5123 · +3743% births |
| 1995 | #7014 | 7 | ▼ down 3147 |
| 1970 | #3867 | 7 | ▼ down 1064 · -22% births |
| 1965 | #2803 | 9 | ▲ up 1131 · +80% births |
| 1955 | #3934 | 5 | ▼ down 880 · -29% births |
| 1950 | #3054 | 7 | ▼ down 277 |
| 1945 | #2777 | 7 | ▲ up 392 · +17% births |
| 1940 | #3169 | 6 | ▼ down 1395 · -62% births |
| 1935 | #1774 | 16 | ▲ up 2272 · +220% births |
| 1930 | #4046 | 5 | ▼ down 1832 · -64% births |
| 1925 | #2214 | 14 | ▼ down 744 · -46% births |
| 1920 | #1470 | 26 | ▲ up 197 · +44% births |
| 1915 | #1667 | 18 | — |
The story of Deforest
Deforest has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. With 667 total births recorded, Deforest remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #941 in 1890, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1881 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Deforest in 1881:
Deforest by decade
Deforest peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 9 | |
| 1890s | 17 | |
| 1900s | 12 | |
| 1910s | 127 | |
| 1920s ★ | 174 | |
| 1930s | 94 | |
| 1940s | 79 | |
| 1950s | 48 | |
| 1960s | 31 | |
| 1970s | 37 | |
| 1990s | 34 | |
| 2000s | 5 | |
💎Deforest has only 667 total recorded births since 1881 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Deforest?
What names sound and feel like Deforest?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Deforest also consider these
How is Deforest written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Deforest
What does the name Deforest mean?
Deforest means "from the forest" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Deforest?
Deforest is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Deforest?
Deforest originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Deforest?
Deforest is a three-syllable name pronounced D IH0 F AO1 R AH0 S T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Deforest?
Deforest pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.