Tracing the paths of "forefather" vs "ancestor"

What is similar?

Both "forefather" and "ancestor" refer to individuals from whom a person is descended.

What is different?

The word "forefather" often implies a more direct, typically male lineage and is sometimes used metaphorically to refer to founders or originators of movements or traditions, especially in historical contexts. "Ancestor," on the other hand, is a more general term that refers to any person from whom an individual descends and can apply to any gender and a broader historical context.

Which one is more common?