Names That Mean Forest

Nature surname with an aristocratic edge. Spelling it DeForest distances it from deforestation.

Sylvanus or Silvanus was the Roman god of the forest whose name is much more often found today in such variations as Sylvia, Sylvie and even Silas than in its original form. But if you're looking for a genuine mythological or Ancient Roman name with a nature connection, this might be the perfect choice.

Arda is a simple gender-neutral name with several possible origins and meanings. As a Turkish name, it's usually used for males and means scepter. There is also a river in Turkey called the Arda. The Hebrew name Arda means bronze. And Arda may also be a variation of the English Arden, the name of a magical Shakespearean forest.

Silvanus was the Roman god of the forests and is also an alternate name in the New Testament for Silas. Relatives include Silvio, Silvius, and Sylvia.

Dubois, which can also be stylized as DuBois or Du Bois, is a surname derived from bois, the French word for "forest." A notable, namesake-worthy bearer is W. E. B. Du Bois (who actually pronounced his surname doo-BOYSS), civil rights activist and a founder of the NAACP. A familiar fictional wearer is Blanche DuBois, protagonist of A Streetcar Named Desire.

Unfashionable surname, best left in the forest with Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

Sleek, woodsy European choice.

Sounds like the name of a new synthetic fabric.

Variant of the more popular Sylvain

Currently connected to football Hall of Famer turned actor Terry Bradshaw.

Form of Silviana

A well-to-do English surname with a comedic undertone, thanks to the Griswold family of National Lampoon's Vacation.

Arda is a simple name used for both girls and boys, with roots in several culture. In Turkey, it's usually used for males and means scepter. There is also a Turkish river called the Arda. The Hebrew name Arda means bronze. And Arda may be a form of the English Arden, the name of a magical Shakespearean forest.

Shady, leafy nature-boy name.

The range of occupational baby names is ever expanding, and Ranger is a recent addition to the list. It feels both natural—reminiscent of park rangers—and western and rugged, as in the Lone Ranger. If you're making a choice between Ranger and Danger, we suggest the less aggressive former. Plus, this one gives you the option of nicknames Rae, Rayne, and Rainey too, and ties to various sports teams and Dungeons and Dragons. Currently given to more than 100 boys in each recent year, it has yet to chart for girls, but this could change in the future.

Forever the hapless cartoon husband of Blondie.

Rare feminine form of Silvester, also spelled Sylvestra. Silvie or Sylvie would make for a sweet and sophisticated short form.

Even more uppity than Upton.

Modern form of Latin Silvanus, and an appealing -ian ending option if Julian or Adrian feel too popular for you.

One of the evocative new nature names with a simple, stylish feel.