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Baby names

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Original poster

Forrest?

109 replies

xOlive · 12/02/2026 10:31

Good morning all,

What are your opinions on the name Forrest for a boy?
Both me and DP really like it.
We have two girls already with uncommon but pretty names.

Now, I imagine those who prefer the traditional “George/Oliver/Thomas” names are going to think WTF are we thinking but for those of you who appreciate a more unusual/less common name, is Forrest too out there?

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Original poster
xOlive · 12/02/2026 16:59

ASuitableName · 12/02/2026 16:40

I think it’s a nice name, I knew one forty years ago (so long before the film) who was very cool. In those days the name stood out as being very unusual in a sea of Andrews, Stevens and Marks.

Even though I have seen the film three times it didn’t come to my mind until pps mentioned it, I just pictured … trees?

FWIW, yes, OP, Forrest Gump has a learning disability; but he is also kind, gentle, generous, empathetic and brave.

Is that why people are advising I watch the film to change my mind? Because he’s disabled?
He sounds like a nice character from what people are saying on here so far with some funny quotes from the film.

I love the earthy/woodland feel to the name.

OP posts:
OhDear111 · 12/02/2026 16:57

As in Gump? Just no.

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xOlive · 12/02/2026 16:55

MatchaTea1 · 12/02/2026 16:12

How about Sylvan, similar meaning, but no Gump association!

I’ve never heard of that name, I love the meaning!

OP posts:
Original poster
xOlive · 12/02/2026 16:53

Oblivionnnnn · 12/02/2026 16:28

That’s not what she said at all 🙄

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Roll your eyes all you like, only an absolute dick would imply a parent would call their child whatever they like because they’re going to homeschool them so they don’t need to worry about being bullied.
The internet makes people way too brave to be their true ugly selves.

We’re talking about the name Forrest. I’m not calling the baby Snot or Herpes ffs.

OP posts:
sharkstale · 12/02/2026 16:51

CitizenZ · 12/02/2026 10:34

As a name it's actually quite nice. However, the name is FAR too strongy associated with Forrest Gump, so it's an absolute NO from me.

This. I like it, but immediately think of Forrest Gump.

Coconutter24 · 12/02/2026 16:50

xOlive · 12/02/2026 10:37

That was my thought too, I’ve never watched the film and neither has my partner but I did think would people just immediately go “ha ha like Gump” 😂

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Tbh I used to watch this film endlessly when I was younger and strangely enough I met my first Forest yesterday and I didn’t even make the connection between the name and film. I just thought what a cool unusual name

ASuitableName · 12/02/2026 16:40

I think it’s a nice name, I knew one forty years ago (so long before the film) who was very cool. In those days the name stood out as being very unusual in a sea of Andrews, Stevens and Marks.

Even though I have seen the film three times it didn’t come to my mind until pps mentioned it, I just pictured … trees?

FWIW, yes, OP, Forrest Gump has a learning disability; but he is also kind, gentle, generous, empathetic and brave.

Applecharlotte2 · 12/02/2026 16:39

No Gumpy!

Didshejustsaythatoutloud · 12/02/2026 16:35

I too though Gump but there is also the lovely and fine actor Forest Whitaker.

CurlewKate · 12/02/2026 16:30

I don’t like it much-but if I had to use it, I’d spell it Forest.

Oblivionnnnn · 12/02/2026 16:28

xOlive · 12/02/2026 16:03

Why, do you have children that bully people because of their name?
Thats a shame, I’ve taught mine to be kinder than that 🙂

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That’s not what she said at all 🙄

User253853 · 12/02/2026 16:28

Even if primary kids don't watch it, the second he goes into secondary school he will have kids shouting "run forrest run" at him or walking past saying "shrimp". It's a classic movie that most families will sit and watch with their secondary school age kids at some point.

Topseyt123 · 12/02/2026 16:22

Why not call him Gumpy?

Sorry, no, I don't like Forrest. Don't like Gump either.

JassyRadlett · 12/02/2026 16:17

It's a lovely name that has unfortunately been ruined by the film.

I would not take too much comfort in the idea that because kids haven't seen the film, they won't have that association. We live in an age of meme culture and it's a really memeable film. My two (teen and tween) have just assured me that when they hear Forrest, their association is Gump and they then added "run, Forrest, run!" totally unprompted.

rainforestalliance · 12/02/2026 16:14

I feel like I could vote both options, sort of ridiculous but I love it

17caterpillars1mouse · 12/02/2026 16:12

I know s little Forrest, hes 6 months now but i still cant get used to it and i quite like unusual names. Its a no from me

MatchaTea1 · 12/02/2026 16:12

How about Sylvan, similar meaning, but no Gump association!

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xOlive · 12/02/2026 16:10

Anatomical · 12/02/2026 16:06

I love the name and would have liked to use it myself but it REALLY doesn't go with our surname #notgump

Is your last name Byrnes 😂

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Original poster
xOlive · 12/02/2026 16:09

Okay so the consensus seems to be the name isn’t a problem, but most adults will associate with the film Forrest Gump which in itself isn’t a bad film/bad character.
And there will lots of quotes thrown at him over the years but not necessarily negative quotes (I liked the name Alice for a girl until my DP started chanting who the fuck is Alice at me) 😂
Who knows, maybe he’ll be an Olympic sprinter 🏃🏼

OP posts:
Anatomical · 12/02/2026 16:06

I love the name and would have liked to use it myself but it REALLY doesn't go with our surname #notgump

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xOlive · 12/02/2026 16:03

Katiesaidthat · 12/02/2026 15:49

The kid is at home so can´t be bullied...

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Why, do you have children that bully people because of their name?
Thats a shame, I’ve taught mine to be kinder than that 🙂

OP posts:
Katiesaidthat · 12/02/2026 15:49

xOlive · 12/02/2026 10:52

That’s interesting!
I wonder why specifically the home educating community. Are they less concerned about peers’ opinion maybe?

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The kid is at home so can´t be bullied...

Frannyisreading · 12/02/2026 15:48

I work with a Forest. I've never once thought of Forrest Gump! It simply never occurred to me. Kids don't tend to know this film so unlikely to cause problems at school. I think it's really a non-issue.

Oblivionnnnn · 12/02/2026 15:43

My kids love the movie!

And Tom Hanks could feasibly die within the next two decades which means references to it will be everywhere…

If you haven’t watched it, you should. Literally everyone you meet will hear Forrest and internally think ‘gump’.

littlepartoftimes · 12/02/2026 15:38

I love it but hate it because of Forrest Gump. Im younger than you but know the “run forest run” line and not to put you off but several times when I take my children to the Forrest near us we have heard someone of all varying ages shout run forest run over the years.

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