Of English origin.
It was used as a surname, mostly describing a person who lived near a forest.
The English word “forest” derives from the Latin words “foris”, meaning “outside” or “forestis”, meaning “forest preserve” or “game preserve”.
Alternative form of the name: Forrest.
Famous bearers are Forest Whitaker, Forest Sun, Forest Ray Moulton.
Forest Whitaker is a critically acclaimed American actor, director and producer.
He has won numerous awards, such Academy and Golden Globe Awards, a British Academy Film Award, etc.
He is known for his roles in films such as Platoon, Good Morning Vietnam, Bird, The Crying Game, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, Panic Room, The Last King of Scotland, Southpaw, etc.