Forrest
Forrest is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Dweller near the forest or woodsman.
Origin and history
Forrest is an English name originally used as a occupational or topographic surname for someone who lived near or worked in a forest. It has been used as a given name in the United States since the 19th century and remains moderately popular today. Its association with nature gives it a rustic and traditional appeal.
Popularity in the United States
53,639 babies in the United States have been named Forrest since 1880. It ranks #485 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #418.
States where it is most popular
- CA (9 %)
- TX (7.9 %)
- OH (5.4 %)
- IL (4.5 %)
- PA (4.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 416 |
| 1890-1900 | 713 |
| 1900-1910 | 900 |
| 1910-1920 | 4,860 |
| 1920-1930 | 6,910 |
| 1930-1940 | 4,421 |
| 1940-1950 | 4,500 |
| 1950-1960 | 4,710 |
| 1960-1970 | 3,589 |
| 1970-1980 | 2,906 |
| 1980-1990 | 3,489 |
| 1990-2000 | 6,502 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,741 |
| 2010-2019 | 3,413 |
| 2020-2029 | 4,569 |
Famous people named Forrest
- Forrest Whitaker: actor, director
- Forrest Sherman: naval admiral
Nicknames
Frost
Fun facts
- The name originally derived from the Old French word 'forest', describing a person who lived near or worked in royal hunting grounds.
- Though famously associated with the title character of the 1994 film Forrest Gump, the name has maintained steady usage as a traditional first name in the U.S.