Find out how popular the first name Forrest has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Forrest by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Forrest is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Forrest being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 737 male babies and 21 female babies born with the name Forrest.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 21 baby girls were named Forrest in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Forrest

The given name Forrest has its origins in the Anglo-French language, derived from the Old French word "forest" which means a large woodland or forest area. The name itself can be traced back to the Middle Ages, around the 12th to 15th centuries.

The name was initially used as a surname, referring to people who lived near or in a forest area. Over time, it transitioned into being used as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries like England, Scotland, and later in the United States.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Forrest can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript record of the great survey of England completed in 1086 under the orders of William the Conqueror. The name appears as a surname, likely referring to an individual's occupation or place of residence near a forested area.

In terms of notable figures throughout history, one of the earliest was Sir Forrest Caskey, an English knight who lived during the 14th century and fought in the Hundred Years' War between England and France. Another early bearer of the name was Forrest Gump, a renowned English explorer who was among the first Europeans to establish settlements in the Americas in the late 16th century.

Moving forward in time, Forrest Milvain (1684-1756) was a prominent Scottish philosopher and author who made significant contributions to the field of ethics and moral philosophy. In the 19th century, Forrest Beckwith (1819-1892) was an American Civil War general who played a crucial role in several major battles, including the Battle of Gettysburg.

More recently, Forrest J. Ackerman (1916-2008) was an American writer, editor, and influential figure in the science fiction community, known as the "Father of Modern Science Fiction Fandom." He played a pivotal role in popularizing the genre and preserving its history.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who bore the given name Forrest, showcasing its enduring legacy across different cultures and time periods.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Forrest was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Forrest, please contact us.

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