Names That Mean Forest

Tauriel is the name of an elf in the film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, played by Evangeline Lilly. She is the head of the Mirkwood Elven guard, and a companion of Legolas. Her name was created from the Sindarin elements taur "forest" and riel "maiden’.

Variant of Sylvana

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.

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

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.

Forever the hapless cartoon husband of Blondie.

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

A shiny and sylvan choice, this sleek yet spirited name feels familiar yet is rarely used.

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

Derived from the Ancient Germanic components witu, meaning "wood," and wald, "rule."

Variant of the more popular Sylvain

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.

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.

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

Even more uppity than Upton.

A strong, sharp name, popular in Poland.

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

Woodsy name referring to the Roman tree god Silvanus.

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