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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

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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reddaisyandcake · 12/02/2026 10:39

I love it, we move a lot with the military so been in different schools etc. There's been a few Forrest's and kids that age don't know the gump film so it'd only be older parents and I doubt they'd say anything

GrumpySparkler · 12/02/2026 10:39

I don't hate it, but instantly think Gump, Run Forest Run, Life is like a box of chocolates. I've never even seen the film!

Original poster
xOlive · 12/02/2026 10:38

ArtichokeAardvark · 12/02/2026 10:36

You are setting him up for a lifetime of RUN FORREST, RUNNNN!

I dont think it would be his peers shouting it as I was only 2 myself when the film came out 😂 he might get a few shouts from parents or grandparents at sports day though 😂

OP posts:
Original poster
xOlive · 12/02/2026 10:37

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.

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” 😂

OP posts:
DappledThings · 12/02/2026 10:37

"Run Forrest, run!"

Always the association for me.

ArtichokeAardvark · 12/02/2026 10:36

You are setting him up for a lifetime of RUN FORREST, RUNNNN!

EmpressaurusKitty · 12/02/2026 10:36

My first thought was Gump too. Although the film was a while ago now.

GentleSheep · 12/02/2026 10:35

Agree with the PP, it's OK as a name but not with that association!

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.