What does Forrest mean and where does it come from?
Forrest is primarily seen as a male name but has recently gained traction for females as well. The name originates from the Old French word 'forêt,' meaning 'forest,' referring to a woodland area. Its popularity surged with the success of the film 'Forrest Gump,' where the character showcased qualit
Cultural significance
Forrest has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in USA-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #900 in 1890 — currently #424 in the US.
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Related Reading
USA-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Forrest?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Forrest?
Forrest works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Forrest Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Forrest Rose
Floral · soft ending
Forrest Mae
Sweet · timeless
Forrest Claire
French influence · crisp
Forrest Jane
Literary · strong
Forrest Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Forrest right now?
Declining — down 22 spots — currently #424 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #424 | 744 | ▼ down 22 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #402 | 794 | ▲ up 12 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #414 | 745 | ▲ up 9772 · +8178% births |
| 2020 | #10186 | 9 | ▼ down 5662 · -59% births |
| 1995 | #4524 | 22 | ▲ up 8466 · +340% births |
| 1990 | #12990 | 5 | ▼ down 5795 · -29% births |
| 1975 | #7195 | 7 | ▲ up 836 · +40% births |
| 1970 | #8031 | 5 | ▼ down 3579 · -44% births |
| 1960 | #4452 | 9 | ▲ up 310 · +29% births |
| 1955 | #4762 | 7 | ▼ down 1839 · -46% births |
| 1950 | #2923 | 13 | ▲ up 1130 · +117% births |
| 1945 | #4053 | 6 | ▼ down 1073 · -33% births |
| 1940 | #2980 | 9 | ▼ down 37 |
| 1935 | #2943 | 9 | ▼ down 494 · -31% births |
| 1930 | #2449 | 13 | — |
The story of Forrest
Forrest has been a beloved American name for over 137 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1887. A total of 50,663 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #900 in 1890 to #424 in 2023. Forrest is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.
Names that peaked alongside Forrest in 1890:
Forrest by decade
Forrest peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 434 | |
| 1890s | 780 | |
| 1900s | 954 | |
| 1910s | 4,989 | |
| 1920s ★ | 7,051 | |
| 1930s | 4,511 | |
| 1940s | 4,583 | |
| 1950s | 4,798 | |
| 1960s | 3,610 | |
| 1970s | 2,954 | |
| 1980s | 3,541 | |
| 1990s | 6,640 | |
| 2000s | 1,745 | |
| 2010s | 3,437 | |
| 2020s | 636 | |
What are good nicknames for Forrest?
What names sound and feel like Forrest?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Forrest also consider these
How is Forrest written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Forrest
What does the name Forrest mean?
Forrest means "English" — a name rooted in USA 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 Forrest?
Forrest is currently ranked #424 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Forrest have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Forrest?
Forrest originates from USA tradition. USA 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 Forrest?
Forrest is a two-syllable name pronounced 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.
Is Forrest trending right now?
Forrest is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.