Derek vs Forrest

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Derek

Boy #258 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"ruler of the people"

Origin: Germanic

English American Dutch German

✓ All Clear

Boy #408 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"dweller near the woods"

Origin: Old French

English American

✓ All Clear

Derek Rank #258

Forrest Rank #408

Derek is more popular, ranked #258 vs #408 for Forrest.

Is Derek or Forrest more popular?

Derek is more popular, ranked #258 compared to Forrest at #408 in the United States.

What do Derek and Forrest mean?

Derek means "ruler of the people" (Germanic origin). Forrest means "dweller near the woods" (Old French origin).

Are Derek and Forrest boy or girl names?

Derek is primarily a boy name. Forrest is primarily a boy name.