What does Deforrest mean and where does it come from?
Deforrest is a surname that has developed into a given name. The word is derived from Old French 'foreste' which refers to an area of land covered with trees. The name likely entered the English language during the Norman invasion. It can be found among English-speaking populations, primarily in the
Cultural significance
Deforrest has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of the forest.
Peak popularity
Reached #2727 in 1917 — currently #908 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Deforrest?
Deforrest works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Deforrest Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Deforrest Rose
Floral · soft ending
Deforrest Mae
Sweet · timeless
Deforrest Claire
French influence · crisp
Deforrest Jane
Literary · strong
Deforrest Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Deforrest right now?
Holding steady — currently #908 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #908 | 1,292 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #913 | 1,272 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #918 | 1,242 | ▲ up 7430 · +24740% births |
| 1990 | #8348 | 5 | ▼ down 3765 |
| 1925 | #4583 | 5 | ▲ up 98 |
| 1920 | #4681 | 5 | — |
The story of Deforrest
Deforrest entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 90 total births recorded, Deforrest remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4681 in 1920 to #908 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Deforrest in 1917:
Deforrest by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s ★ | 31 | |
| 1920s | 22 | |
| 1930s | 6 | |
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 6 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 10 | |
💎Deforrest has only 90 total recorded births since 1916 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Deforrest?
What names sound and feel like Deforrest?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Deforrest also consider these
How is Deforrest written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Deforrest
What does the name Deforrest mean?
Deforrest means "of 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 Deforrest?
Deforrest is currently ranked #908 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 Deforrest?
Deforrest 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 Deforrest?
Deforrest is a three-syllable name pronounced D EY0 F AO1 R IH0 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 Deforrest?
Deforrest 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.