Forrest is a unisex given name of English origin, derived from the surname which was an occupational name for a park ranger or a forest keeper. The name has gained popularity in recent times, likely due to its nature-inspired sound and association with forests, often symbolizing growth, strength, and harmony with nature. It's also a surname of Norman origin, meaning 'forest worker'. Forrest is currently more prevalent as a male name but has been used for females as well, adding a unique touch when chosen for a daughter.
The name Forrest has seen varying popularity over the years, with periods of high and low usage. From 1887 to 1945, there were fewer than 15 births per year on average, with a noticeable spike in 1921 (20 births) and another smaller peak in 1930 (17 births). After World War II, the name's popularity began to rise, with several years seeing over 15 births annually. The most notable of these was 1994, which had 38 births, more than three times the average from the previous period. Since then, Forrest has remained relatively popular, with yearly birth counts ranging from 5 to 22, and a recent high of 21 births in 2023. Overall, there have been 1031 recorded births with the name Forrest from 1887 to 2023.