Surname DeForest - Meaning and Origin

DeForest: What does the surname DeForest mean?

The last name DeForest is of French origin and is derived from a region in Normandy. The area was known as the "forest of de Foreste", or the forest of the forest. This was likely a reference to the thick, lush vegetation in the region, and the numerous animals that lived there.

The first known origin of the name is traced back to a town in Normandy called De Forest. In this town, the De Forest family had a farm as well as a collection of hunting grounds, which was why they could acquire the title 'De Forest'.

In modern times, the surname DeForest is widely used in both France and the United States. In both countries the name is associated with the outdoors, nature and animals. In France the name DeForest refers to a person who enjoys hunting and fishing, and in America it is generally used to refer to someone who enjoys nature-based activities such as camping or hiking.

Despite the name's French origin, the De Forest surname is mostly found amongst Americans. Many of the De forests in the United States are descended from French Huguenot immigrants, who settled mostly in Pennsylvania and South Carolina.

In conclusion, the surname DeForest is derived from the region in Normandy, and is associated with the outdoors, nature, and animals. The majority of De forests in the United States are descended from French Huguenot immigrants, and the name is used to refer to someone who enjoys camping or hiking.

DeForest: Where does the name DeForest come from?

The last name DeForest is common in many countries today. It is particularly popular in the United States where it ranks 194th in commonality according to the US Census of 2020. According to the same source, the states where it is most common are Michigan, New York, Illinois, Maine, and Wisconsin.

It is also popular in Canada with Quebec and Ontario being the provinces where it has the highest frequency. In Quebec, the spelling DeFoest is sometimes used.

In Europe, it is also common in the Netherlands, France, and Germany. The spelling De Voorst is sometimes used in the Netherlands, while De Forest is sometimes used in France and Germany.

In Australia, DeForest appears in both New South Wales and Victoria, two of the country's most populous states.

The name is believed to have originated in the Netherlands, and it may be derived from either of two words: "voor" meaning "before" and "bos" meaning "forest". The literal translation would be "before the forest".

It is also possible that the name DeForest was originally derived from the French name, Des Forets which means "from the forests".

Today, DeForest is an international surname with commonality in many countries around the world.

Variations of the surname DeForest

The surname DeForest is derived from two French words, ‘de’ meaning ‘of’ and ‘forest’ meaning ‘woods or forest’ and is one of a number of surnames derived from places of residence. The surname has several spelling variations, including DeForrest, DeForest,Defore, DeForestt, Deforestt, DeForrestt, Defforest, Deforrest, Deforrett, Forrest, Forreste, deForeste, deForet, deForest, Forestt and Forrestte.

Variations of the DeForest name include DeFoer, DeForrest, DeFore, DeForestt, Deforestt, DeForrestt, Defforest, Deforrest, Deforrett, Forrest, Forreste, deForeste, deForet, deForest, Forestt and Forrestte. It is possible for many of these variations (particularly the double ‘t’ variations) to be pronounced in academics in localised dialects.

The name also has some notable variants which differ in spelling but may be related to the DeForest surname. These include: DeLaForest, Lawdforrest, LaFroste and Leforreste, which all mean ‘of the forest’.

The DeForest surname has historically been found in the Netherlands and France, and the surname itself began to be used in the 14th and 15th centuries. It is likely the surname was derived from a prominent area of land such as a forest, or a noble residence. Today, the surname is found primarily in the United States, Canada, England and Australia.

Famous people with the name DeForest

• Hugo DeForest (film producer and director)
• Lee DeForest (electrical engineer and innovator)
• Florence DeForest (American writer and educator)
• Warren DeForest (American actor)
• William Frank DeForest (American ambassador)
• Larry DeForest (American professional golfer)
• Sarah DeForest (American actress)
• Tiffany DeForest (American actress and model)
• Bo DeForest (actor)
• Deerfield DeForest (aviatrix)
• Arthur DeForest (American football player)
• Fred DeForest (American actor)
• Leo DeForest (American hurdler)
• Van DeForest (American chef)
• Alexander DeForest (English composer and music director)
• Micah DeForest (American businessman)
• Trevor DeForest (American football coach)
• Mack Among The Roses DeForest (American photographer)
• Kelly DeForest (American animator)
• Philemon DeForest (American Congressman from New York)

Other surnames

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