Surname Forest - Meaning and Origin
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Redefining Family Identity: A journey through the lens of the iGENEA DNA Test
Understanding oneself often means knowing one's ancestors. For me, this understanding came through an iGENEA DNA test. It not only unveiled the cultural and historical roots of my family surname, Forest, but it also reshaped the narrative I had woven around my heritage. I found myself journeying through time, cultures, and civilizations, receiving a more profound sense of personal identity carried by my Forest line.
S. Forest
read moreForest: What does the surname Forest mean?
The last name Forest is derived from the Latin word "forestis," meaning "of or belonging to the forest." This name has French and British origins and was likely given to individuals who lived in or near a forest, or who derived their income from working in the forest.
The name Forest is historically associated with forest-dwelling people, such as wild men—individuals who lived independent of societal norms and rules. Forest men would often roam the forest, foraging for food, making weapons, and creating tools. The Forest name was usually given to persons with large or extensive property holdings, including those who managed forests for the nobility.
In some cases, the Forest name may also refer to persons who lived on the edge of a forest, representing its limits, and who served as a symbol for the stability and protection of the forest and its inhabitants.
The Forest last name has spread and can now be found in countries around the world. Today, the name is often taken to denote a person who is strong and reliable and is connected to the strength and stability that a forest can bring. It can also represent a person who loves and respects nature and is active in its protection.
Order DNA origin analysisForest: Where does the name Forest come from?
The last name Forest is most commonly found in France, where roughly 31 thousand people with the surname reside. The surname appears to have French origins and is believed to be derived from the word fors, which is French for "forest". In France, Forest is mostly found in the northern regions, particularly Hauts-de-France, Grand Est, and Bourgogne-Franche-Comte.
The name is also found in some other European countries, including Belgium, Netherlands, and Switzerland. Forest is not particularly common in the United Kingdom or Germany; population research shows that the name is most common in France out of all European countries.
Outside of Europe, Forest is quite prevalent in the United States, mainly in the midwest. In the U.S., California, Pennsylvania, and Ohio are the states with the most Forest families. It is also found in other countries outside of Europe, such as Canada, Mexico, Australia, Argentina, and Panama.
In some cases, the surname may have been derived from people who lived near forests or woodlands; however, in most cases it is believed to have started as a nickname for someone with a striking resemblance to a forest – whether in their physical appearance or temperament.
Regardless of its origin, the Forest surname is most commonly found in France and other parts of Europe, as well as in the United States and Canada, with smaller populations in other countries.
Variations of the surname Forest
The surname Forest is derived from the French word “forest”, meaning “forest”. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Forrester, Forester, Foresty, Forrestor, Forrestier, Forresters, Forrestal, Forestall, Forstall, and Forstell. All these surnames originated from the old French word “fores”, which means “wood”, or “forest”.
The first recorded use of the surname Forest in Britain was in 1201 with Richard Forest. He was listed in the Curia Regis rolls as holding lands in Gillingham, Dorset. The Forest surname is also known to have originated from place names in England, such as Forest of Bosworth and Forest of Dean. It is believed that the name “Forrest” may also be derived from Norman personal names like Fored or Fulk, or from people who served in an elite royal unit known as the “lances of the forest”.
"Forrester" is also a variant of the surname Forest. This variant was first used in 1238 for one Gerard Forester, lord of Garvald, in Scotland. Another variant of the surname is "Forester". A variant of “Forester” is “Fosterer”, which was first used in 1248 for William Fosterer in Huntingdonshire, England.
The surnames “Foresty”, “Forrestor”, “Forrestier”, “Forresters”, “Forrestal”, “Forestall”, “Forstall”, and “Forstell” are also variants of the surname Forest. “Foresty” was first used in 1147 in Scotland for a diploma granted to Ser Michael Foresty and his wife Christiana. “Forrestor” was used in 1208 for a charter granted to a Fergus Forrestor in Scotland. “Forrestal”, “Forstall”, and “Forstell” are all recorded as variants in Hampshire, England in 1217, 1273 and 1549, respectively.
Thus, it can be seen that there are many different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Forest.
Famous people with the name Forest
- Cameron Forrest: Actor known for roles in Glee, Every Witch Way and mustard commercials.
- Ryan Forrest: Footballer who plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League.
- Kasey Forrest: Five-time National Women’s Gardening Association champion.
- Reed Forrest: Grammy-nominated country music singer-songwriter.
- Mario Forrest: Oscar-winning movie producer who won for best art direction on The English Patient.
- Harry Forest: Drummer and vocalist of the critically acclaimed indie-rock band Ghostwood.
- Samanthe Forest: Lead singer and guitarist for the folk-rock band Lonesome Hearts.
- David Forest: Emmy award-winning television director with credits on the shows Friends and The Big Bang Theory.
- Eve Forrest: Television and Broadway actress who has appeared on Law & Order and the original West Side Story.
- Kendra Forest: Two-time Olympic medalist in the javelin throw event.