12 Baby Names Inspired By The Forest

The benefits of introducing your child to the great outdoors and establishing a love of nature early on in life are well-documented, and giving your baby a forest-inspired name can be an excellent starting point. Of course, there's the obvious name to go with, Forest, and it's certainly a worthy option. It has consistently remained in the top 1,000 names for baby boys in the United States for more than a century, but it's never climbed above No. 235. This gives it the rare allure of feeling like a strong, classic name without being overused. 

Beyond that straightforward connection, there are so many ways to tap into the forest theme when naming your baby. You can consider tree names like Alder, which also means "noble" or "brave"; Linden, known for its heart-shaped leaves; or Rowan, which is a type of ash tree and also means "little red one." Or, as another option, you may choose to go with broader names that connect to the forest. Examples of this approach include Autumn, arguably the most stunning season to take in the trees because of their vibrant colors, or the name of an actual woodland, such as Sherwood, the forest most famously known as the home of Robin Hood. 

Closer to the ground, you'll find even more options for forest-inspired names. Look to the inhabitants of the woods for sweet, animal-themed choices, such as Fox, which is associated with being cunning and clever; Wren, named for the small songbird; or Fawn, known for being sweet, gentle, and doe-eyed. While Fox and Wren have each been popular off and on over the last decade, Fawn has a more vintage feel. In fact, it hasn't seen much popularity since the 1980s, so consider the name due for a comeback. 

Alternatively, beneath the forest canopy, you'll find other plants that may serve as worthy namesakes. In certain regions, bluebells grow on the forest floors and are the earliest sign that spring is coming and brighter days are on their way. As a baby name, Bluebell literally translates to "spring flower," and has the bonus perk of offering two cute nicknames with either Blue or Bell. Fern is another lovely option, linked to Old English words for "feather" and "wing," thanks to its delicate leaves. Ferns love the shade and can often tell a lot about the health of the forest. Or, if you're looking for another enduring name, consider Juniper, which is the name of a berry-growing shrub found in forests and woodlands across the United States, and means "evergreen."