Forrest

“forest,”

USA origin · Unisex name

♂ 98% boys♀ 2% girls

#424US 2023

744Births / yr

↓Falling

50.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 188700.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Forrest

FAW·rust

/ˈfɔ.rəst/ · stress on FAW · 2 syllables

“forest,”

USA origin · Unisex name

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.

🌿

How else can you spell Forrest?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Forest

Spelling variant

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

How popular is Forrest right now?

Declining — down 22 spots — currently #424 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1890–2023#424 · Top 0.31%

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

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1975

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1995

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Forrest

Best Year2022Rank #402

Peak Count794

Average Rank#4115

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202320 years

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:

Mary Anna Elizabeth Margaret Emma

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?

Common

ForFoOrrest

What names sound and feel like Forrest?

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

Forest

American · Of the woods,

Forrestt

American · dweller near the

Forres

International · A International name

Orest

Greece · mountain dweller

Modest

American · humble, moderate

Godsrest

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Honest

English · truthful, sincere

Burnest

English · burning one

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.