Deforest

“from the forest”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1881US 2023

319Births / yr

→Stable

667All-time births

📅 Since 188100.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Deforest

dif·AW·rust

/dɪf.ˈɔ.rəst/ · stress on AW · 3 syllables

“from the forest”

American origin · Boy name

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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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

How popular is Deforest right now?

Holding steady — currently #1881 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1890–2023#1881 · Top 1.4%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1965

1970

1995

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Deforest

Best Year1920Rank #1470

Peak Count319

Average Rank#2896

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202315 years

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:

John William James George Charles

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?

Common

DefDefieDefyOrest

What names sound and feel like Deforest?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Deforest also consider these

Deforrest

American · of the forest

Defriest

French · A French name

Demarest

French · A French name

Depriest

English · A beloved name

Everest

American · English

Demoret

French · A French name

Forest

American · Of the woods,

Decorey

American · A beloved name

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.