Forest is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "forest," which means "woodland" or "tree-covered land." The name Forest is often associated with nature, growth, and beauty, reflecting its connection to the natural world.
The use of Forest as a given name is relatively modern compared to other names of English origin. It gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in countries like the United States and Canada. Some notable individuals with the first name Forest include Forest Whitaker, an Academy Award-winning actor, and Forest Gump, the fictional character from the popular novel and film of the same name.
While Forest is typically considered a boy's name, it can also be used as a girl's name. In fact, according to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, more girls were named Forest than boys between 2013 and 2020. This trend reflects the increasing popularity of gender-neutral names in recent years.
In conclusion, Forest is an appealing given name with a strong connection to nature and the beauty of the natural world. Its origins trace back to Middle English, but its use as a given name is relatively modern compared to other English names. While historically considered a boy's name, Forest has gained popularity as a gender-neutral option in recent years.
The name Forest experienced significant fluctuations in its popularity over the years, with a total of 17,066 births recorded between 1880 and 2023. After starting with around 30 births per year in the late 19th century, it reached its peak in the early 20th century with 316 births in 1918. However, it has since become much less common, with fewer than 100 births recorded each year since 1952 and only 76 births in 2022.