Forrest

What does Forrest mean?

Forrest carries a clear, natural image: it comes from the word for a large area of trees and wild growth. The name evokes woodland landscapes and a sense of space and calm that comes from nature.

In tone, Forrest feels grounded and quietly strong. It sits comfortably between traditional surnames used as given names and straightforward nature names. It can feel vintage and familiar or fresh and outdoorsy, depending on the surname or middle name that accompanies it.

Historical Context

The word that became the name Forrest traces back through Old French forest to Medieval Latin forestis, meaning an area of woodland. As a surname it often indicated someone who lived near or worked in a wood, or someone who managed forest land. Over time, the surname moved into use as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries, following a common pattern in which family names become first names.

In the 19th and 20th centuries the name appeared in literature and on screen, which helped to normalise it as a forename rather than only a surname. Variants in spelling and usage have arisen, and some parents choose the simplified spelling Forest while others prefer the traditional double-s consonant form. The broader family of woodland-related names includes older Latin-rooted forms like Silvanus and more modern choices like Rowan and Ash.

Popularity of Forrest over time

In 2025, Forrest was given to 82 boys in the UK and 850 boys in the US. Forrest has risen sharply over the last 10 years, and is now an uncommon boys' name especially in the US.

What do parents think of Forrest?