Origin & Meaning of the Laforest Surname
What does the last name Laforest mean?
The surname Laforest carries the meaning "The (feminine)." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,977 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Laforest ranks as the #14,957 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Laforest come from?
The Laforest surname has its roots in French/Spanish heritage. Names of French/Spanish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Laforest name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Laforest trace back to French. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Laforest |
|---|---|
| Meaning | The (feminine) |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,957 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,977 |
| Per 100K People | 0.67 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Laforest
According to the US Census, the Laforest surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,977 Americans with the Laforest last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 76.53% |
| Black | 17.3% |
| Hispanic | 2.83% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.61% |
| Native American | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 2.33% |
Popularity of Laforest Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Laforest surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Laforest surname increased by 155 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Laforest Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Laforest ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Laforest Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Laforest Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Laforest
- ✓ The Laforest coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Laforest families live today
- ✓ Notable Laforest bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Laforest
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Laforest.
Other French/Spanish Surnames
Explore more surnames with French/Spanish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French/Spanish origin as Laforest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laforest
Top Surnames Starting with L
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter L, ranked by population.
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