What does Forest mean and where does it come from?
Forest is an English name, often associated with nature and the green, wooded areas. While traditionally a more common surname, it has also been adopted as a given name, particularly in the United States and Canada. The name evokes a sense of being grounded in nature, and it is gaining popularity as
Cultural significance
Forest has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of the woods, a place with many trees.
Peak popularity
Reached #850 in 1897 — currently #746 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Forest?
Forest works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Forest Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Forest Rose
Floral · soft ending
Forest Mae
Sweet · timeless
Forest Claire
French influence · crisp
Forest Jane
Literary · strong
Forest Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Forest right now?
Declining — down 43 spots — currently #746 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #746 | 350 | ▼ down 43 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #703 | 375 | ▲ up 15 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #718 | 360 | ▲ up 6446 · +2300% births |
| 2020 | #7164 | 15 | ▲ up 9249 · +200% births |
| 2015 | #16413 | 5 | ▼ down 8884 · -55% births |
| 1995 | #7529 | 11 | ▲ up 1592 · +83% births |
| 1980 | #9121 | 6 | ▼ down 1923 · -14% births |
| 1975 | #7198 | 7 | ▼ down 2604 · +40% births |
| 1945 | #4594 | 5 | ▼ down 362 |
| 1935 | #4232 | 5 | ▼ down 1282 · -55% births |
| 1925 | #2950 | 11 | ▲ up 404 · +22% births |
| 1920 | #3354 | 9 | ▼ down 646 · -10% births |
| 1915 | #2708 | 10 | ▼ down 281 · +100% births |
| 1910 | #2427 | 5 | ▼ down 473 |
| 1905 | #1954 | 5 | — |
The story of Forest
Forest has been a beloved American name for over 134 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1890. A total of 16,481 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #901 in 1890 to #746 in 2023. Forest is used for both genders: 3% female and 97% male.
Names that peaked alongside Forest in 1897:
Forest by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 298 | |
| 1890s | 538 | |
| 1900s | 563 | |
| 1910s | 2,223 | |
| 1920s ★ | 2,650 | |
| 1930s | 1,509 | |
| 1940s | 1,290 | |
| 1950s | 1,051 | |
| 1960s | 783 | |
| 1970s | 783 | |
| 1980s | 809 | |
| 1990s | 1,543 | |
| 2000s | 656 | |
| 2010s | 1,487 | |
| 2020s | 298 | |
What are good nicknames for Forest?
What names sound and feel like Forest?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Forest also consider these
How is Forest written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Forest
What does the name Forest mean?
Forest means "Of the woods, a place with many trees" — 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 Forest?
Forest is currently ranked #746 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Forest have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Forest?
Forest 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.
Is Forest trending right now?
Forest is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Forest more of a girl or boy name?
Forest is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.