Names That Mean Forest

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.

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.

Shady, leafy nature-boy name.

A beaming, friendly Irish last-name-first-name waiting to be discovered, though anyone into American history might associate it with John C. Calhoun, a 19th century statesman who defended slavery. There are however plenty of places called Calhoun which might lessen that association.

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

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.

Variant of the more popular Sylvain

Variant of Sylvana

Sounds like the name of a new synthetic fabric.

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.

Sad tinge to the name of the beautiful German city firebombed during World War II. Its name derives from Sorbian drezga, meaning "forest".

Form of Silviana

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

A rare feminine form of Sylvester, also spelled Silvestra. Sylvie would make for a sweet and sophisticated short form.

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

Forever the hapless cartoon husband of Blondie.

A variant of the more common Sylvaine, which shortens to the stylish nickname Sylvie.

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

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

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.