Forrest
Dweller near the forest — a boy name of English origin
Popularity of Forrest in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Forrest
Forrest is an English name derived from the Old French "forest," meaning "woodland" or "forest." It originated as a surname for someone who lived near or worked in a forest. The name gained prominence through Nathan Bedford Forrest, a controversial figure in American Civil War history. In modern pop culture, it is best known as the name of the title character in the novel and Academy Award-winning film Forrest Gump (1994), played by Tom Hanks. Forrest appeals to parents who love nature-inspired names with a strong, grounded feel and a sense of the American landscape.
Forrest Around the World
Forrest is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Forrest
Famous People Named Forrest
- Forrest Gump — iconic fictional character played by Tom Hanks
- Forrest Whitaker — American actor and director
- Forrest Mars Sr. — American businessman and candy magnate
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Sibling Name Ideas for Forrest
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Forrest mean?
Forrest is a boy name of English origin meaning "Dweller near the forest." Forrest is an English name derived from the Old French "forest," meaning "woodland" or "forest." It originated as a surname for someone who lived near or worked in a forest.
How do you pronounce Forrest?
Forrest is pronounced FOR-est. Common variations include Forest, Forester, Forrester.
Is Forrest a boy name?
Yes, Forrest is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Ford, Resty, Foss.
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