FOREST
Forest
Etymology: The surname Forest is of English origin, deriving from the Middle English word "forest", meaning a large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth. It could have been used to describe someone who lived near a forest, or perhaps someone's occupation was related to forestry.
Origins: The Forest surname is believed to have originated in England, particularly in areas with dense woodlands. The first instances of the Forest surname can be traced back to medieval times, where it was likely given to individuals residing in or working in forested regions.
Notable Individuals:
- John Forest (1471-1538): An English martyr, who was executed for his refusal to accept the religious reforms of King Henry VIII.
- Helen Forest (1917-1999): A renowned British/American singer, known for her jazz and big band recordings in the mid-20th century.
- Michael Forest (b. 1929): A British actor, famous for his roles in various television series and films.
Variations: Variations of the Forest surname include Forrest and Forrester. These variations may have arisen due to regional accents or dialects, or possibly due to clerical error in historical records.
Coat of Arms: The Forest family does not have a singular coat of arms, as heraldry varies from family to family based on historical events and accomplishments. However, British heraldry often uses symbols such as trees, leaves, and animals to represent the Forest name.
Legacy: The Forest surname continues to be borne by families across the United Kingdom and beyond, serving as a reminder of England's rich history of woodlands and forestry. Today, individuals with the surname Forest can be found in various professions and walks of life, each contributing to the legacy of their ancestors in their own unique way.
There are approximately 392 people named Forest in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Forest.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Matthew
- Michael
- Neil
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Simon
- Vincent
Female
- Amanda
- Charlotte
- Claire
- Gillian
- Gizella
- Hazel
- Helen
- Janet
- Julie
- Louise
- Nicola
- Samantha
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Forrest
- Ferst
- Ferstl
- Farest
- Forset
- Fores
- Foresta
- Foreste
- Foresti
- Feurst
- First
- Forestal
- Forester
- Forestier
- Forestor
- Forist
- Forrestt
- Forriest
- Forsett
- Forst
- Forstad
- Forste
- Forsten
- Forster
- Forston
- Forstor
- Furst
- Furste
- Vorst
- Fairest
- Fariest
- Farrest
- Ferrest
- Forestiero
- Foret
- Forseth
- Forsters
- Fuerst
- Faust
- Force
- Frost
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.