"forest keeper, forester"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Foster
Pronunciation: [ f-AHST-er ]
Does Foster flow with your last name?
A rugged forest name with preppy surname charm
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Meaning & Origin
"one who cares for others"
Origin: English
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with foster care system — some parents may find this connotation distracting
The Story of Foster
Foster derives from the Old English 'fostere' or Middle English 'forester,' originally an occupational surname for someone who worked in a forest or served as a forest guardian. It belongs to the tradition of nature-occupation surnames becoming given names, alongside Hunter, Fletcher, and Archer. As a first name, it combines rugged outdoors imagery with a preppy surname feel.
Foster has been rising as a given name in the US, fitting the trend of occupational and surname names. It appeals to parents who want something with roots and character — not as common as Hunter but not as obscure as Fletcher. Actor Jodie Foster's prominent career has kept the name culturally visible.
The name carries English landed-gentry associations through its forest keeper origins. In contemporary American naming, Foster sits at the intersection of nature names and preppy surname names, making it appealing across different parenting aesthetics.
Historical Record
Foster first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 6,768 babies have been named Foster in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Foster is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,077 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Jodie Foster, Academy Award-winning actress, helped keep this surname name visible as a given name
- Foster is also a surname for the occupation 'forester' — making it an occupational name like Hunter or Fletcher
- The Stephen Foster, 19th-century American songwriter, is the composer of 'Oh! Susanna' and 'Beautiful Dreamer'
Foster in Other Languages
Latin
Forestarius
French
Forestier
German
Förster
Italian
Foster
Spanish
Foster
Popularity Over Time
#1,077
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Foster
J
Jodie Foster
Actor
1962
Academy Award-winning American actress and filmmaker, known for Silence of the Lambs and Taxi Driver
D
David Foster
Musician
1949
Canadian-American music producer and composer who has worked with Celine Dion, Michael Buble, and Whitney Houston
S
Stephen Foster
Musician
1826
American songwriter known as 'the father of American music'; composed Oh! Susanna and Camptown Races
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Compare Foster with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,077
- Total SSA Count
- 202
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Fos
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Foster
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Foster is also used as a girl name, ranked #5928.
View Foster as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foster
What does the name Foster mean?
"forest keeper, forester" (from Old English). "one who cares for others" (from English). Foster derives from the Old English 'fostere' or Middle English 'forester,' originally an occupational surname for someone who worked in a forest or served as a forest guardian. It belongs to the tradition of nature-occupation surnames becoming given names, alongside Hunter, Fletcher, and Archer. As a first name, it combines rugged outdoors imagery with a preppy surname feel.
What is the origin of the name Foster?
Foster has Old English, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "forest keeper, forester". In English, it means "one who cares for others".
Is Foster a boy or girl name?
Foster is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1077. As a girl name, it is ranked #5928. Foster is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Foster?
Foster is pronounced f-AHST-er.
How popular is the name Foster?
Foster is currently ranked #1077 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Foster?
Common nicknames for Foster include Fos.
What are good middle names for Foster?
Popular middle name pairings include Foster James, Foster Lee, Foster Grey, Foster Cole, Foster Reed, Foster Blue, and Foster Rhys.
What are good sibling names for Foster?
Names that pair well with Foster as siblings include Hunter, Fletcher, Archer, Sawyer, Harper, Avery, and Quinn.
How many syllables does Foster have?
Foster has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Foster a common or rare name?
Foster is an uncommon name, ranked #1077 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Foster
Foster is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "forest keeper, forester" in Old English .
Is Foster a boy or girl name? Foster is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,077 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #5,928. Foster is more commonly used as a boy name.
Foster is currently ranked #1,077 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Foster has 2 syllables and is pronounced f-AHST-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Foster include Fos. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis