Surname Foster - Meaning and Origin

Foster: What does the surname Foster mean?

The surname Foster is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has several possible meanings. The most common interpretation is that it derived from the Old English "fostere," meaning "nourisher" or "rearer," which could indicate a person who had the occupation of a foster parent or a nursing guardian. It may also have been an occupational name for a saddle tree maker, a critical component in saddle making, as another interpretation comes from an old English word "fostrian," meaning "to nourish" or "to rear." Another possibility is that it could be a locational surname referring to someone originally from a place called Foster in Hampshire. The surname first appears in records in the early 13th century. Today, it is common in both England and the United States.

Foster: Where does the name Foster come from?

The surname Foster is predominantly of English origin, deriving from the Old English term 'fostere' which means 'to nourish' or 'to rear'. The name was originally a nickname given to those who were foster parents or exhibited the traits of a foster parent. As surnames became hereditary, it would have been passed down through generations. Some of the earliest recorded instances of the Foster name come from 12th century Yorkshire, England.

In today's society, Foster still thrives as a common surname in English-speaking countries, notably in the United States where it ranks as the 113th most populous surname. According to 2014 data, the highest percentage of Fosters reside in Alabama, followed by Maine and Vermont. In the UK, it is fairly common, especially in Yorkshire and the Northeast. It's not an uncommon surname in Australia and Canada as well. Despite this, the distribution of the Foster surname remains highest in the United States.

Variations of the surname Foster

The surname Foster originates from England, and is derived from the term "fostre," meaning "nourish" or "rear," typically reflecting someone who was a foster parent or a caregiver. A less common view is that Foster is associated with "forester," a keeper or warden of the forest.

The name Foster has numerous variants and derivative surnames due to regional translations, dialects, and occupations. Some of these include Forster, Foister, Forester, Fouster, and Fostard. Phonetic variations, such as Fostar, Fostur, and Fostir, are also seen.

In Scottish history, the surname was spelled as "Forsyth," linked to a clan in the Lowlands of Scotland, but it's traditionally distinct from the English Foster.

Surnames like Forester and Forrester were often used interchangeably with Foster due to their similar pronunciation and spelling. The variant Fostar is considered to be a derivative stemming from a combination of Foster and Forrester.

It's also important to note that variations of Foster can include additional or less common spellings brought about by migration, translation errors, or individual preference. Hence, the surname has a broad set of variations seen both historically and in the present day.

Famous people with the name Foster

• Jodie Foster: An award-winning American actress, director, and producer.
• David Foster: A renowned Canadian musician, record producer, composer, songwriter, and arranger.
• Sara Foster: An American actress, known for her role in the TV series "90210".
• Ben Foster: An American actor who has performed in films like "3:10 to Yuma" and "The Messenger".
• Foster Brooks: An American actor and comedian, famous for his "drunken" routine.
• Stephen Foster: An iconic 19th-century American songwriter often referred to as the "father of American music".
• Dianne Foster: A British-born Canadian actress who appeared in movies during the 1950s and 1960s.
• Ruth Foster: An American actress known for her work in Television shows like "Little House on the Prairie".
• Robert Foster: An American politician.
• Alan Dean Foster: A renowned American author of many science fiction novels.
• Norman Foster: A successful British architect whose company, Foster + Partners, maintains an international design profile.
• Sutton Foster: A well-known American actress, singer, and dancer who has won two Tony Awards for her performances in Broadway musicals.

Other surnames

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