Forrest Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Forrest has its origins in Old French, meaning 'woods' or 'forest'. It evolved through different forms in the English language and has come to represent a connection to nature. While it has no biblical relevance, it gained popularity as a first name in the late 19th century. The name often conveys traits of serenity and strength, and it has been popularized by notable figures and cultural references.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Forrest"
Pronunciation
/ˈfɔːrɪst/
Origin
Old French
Etymology
The name Forrest is derived from the Old French word 'forest', which means 'woods' or 'forest'. It was originally used as a surname for someone who lived near or in a forest.
Meaning
woods, forest
Language Evolution
Old French: forest, Middle English: forrest, Modern English: Forrest
Historical Usage
Forrest gained popularity as a given name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, partly influenced by the popularity of surnames being used as first names.
Variants & Derivatives
Forest, Forester
Modern Popularity & Image
The name Forrest is often associated with nature and tranquility and has gained a positive image, especially due to cultural influences like literature and film.
Famous People
Forrest Gump (fictional character), Forrest Whitaker (actor), Forrest Mars (businessman)
📊 Forrest Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Forrest Name Visualizations
✨ Forrest Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,381 peak births in 1994
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Oregon
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Forrest" - Complete Guide (3 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Forrest". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 3 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Forrest" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Forrest"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Forrest"
"Forrest" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 194th of 7545 | 11,430 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 265th of 6773 | 8,197 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 349th of 7552 | 8,673 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 473rd of 10718 | 4,762 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 388th of 16616 | 8,730 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 914th of 24088 | 3,146 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 527th of 23106 | 6,645 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2152nd of 9107 | 287 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2897th of 9204 | 176 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4711th of 12526 | 133 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 9044th of 19264 | 58 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 6673rd of 27321 | 183 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 28780th of 35406 | 12 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 10696th of 30306 | 106 |
Regional Popularity of "Forrest" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
10.03% 142nd/1416 |
17.98% 248th/1379 |
9.81% 232nd/2366 |
16.46% 188th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
13.32% 206th/1546 |
19.22% 299th/1556 |
11.39% 268th/2353 |
17.97% 278th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
13.96% 311th/2227 |
16.71% 406th/2430 |
12.02% 343rd/2853 |
12.43% 345th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
16.99% 499th/2937 |
17.43% 607th/3483 |
12.45% 438th/3518 |
10.31% 417th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
11.78% 434th/3685 |
12.76% 571st/4475 |
6.76% 351st/5194 |
5.33% 337th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
22.26% 1020th/4582 |
26.68% 1378th/5164 |
12.85% 940th/7313 |
10.52% 785th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
11.42% 455th/3984 |
15.49% 695th/4487 |
8.03% 548th/6822 |
7.44% 467th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Forrest" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
100.00% 1416th/1416 |
- | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
86.39% 4487th/5194 |
75.86% 4792nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Forrest"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Forrest" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Forrest" in the United States
The name Forrest is most popular in Oregon, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Forrest has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Forrest' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 194th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 265th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 349th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 473rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 388th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 914th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 527th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2152nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2897th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4711th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 9044th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6673rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 28780th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 10696th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Forrest' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.