"one who nurtures, nourishes"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Foster
Pronunciation: [ f-AHST-er ]
Does Foster flow with your last name?
A strong surname name meaning to nurture and nourish
English
American
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Vintage
Strong
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Foster
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"forest keeper, woodcutter"
Origin: Old French
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- May evoke foster care/foster child connotations for some parents
The Story of Foster
Foster originates from the Old English occupational surname derived from either fostrian (to nourish, raise) or from the Old French fustier (a forest keeper or woodcutter). As a given name, Foster brings a gentle nurturing quality while also carrying the rugged energy of a surname-name. It follows the broader trend of using occupational and surname-style names for girls, creating a fresh, gender-forward choice.
Foster as a girl's name is part of the growing surname-as-first-name trend that has seen names like Harper, Hunter, and Scout cross gender lines. It has gained quiet momentum in style-conscious naming communities who appreciate its confident, literary quality.
The name carries strong American literary and cultural associations, most notably through filmmaker and actress Jodie Foster. As a girl's name, Foster signals the breaking of traditional gender naming conventions, which many modern parents embrace.
Historical Record
Foster first appeared in US Social Security records in 1993.
Over 246 babies have been named Foster in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Foster is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #5,928 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Jodie Foster, born Alicia Christian Foster, is an Academy Award-winning actress and director who has been using her nickname since childhood
- Foster care takes its name from the same Old English root, meaning to nourish and raise a child as one's own
Foster in Other Languages
French
Foster
German
Foster
Spanish
Foster
Japanese
フォスター
Popularity Over Time
#5,928
Current Rank
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,928
- Total SSA Count
- 21
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Foss
Fossy
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
-
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
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Foster is also used as a boy name, ranked #1077.
View Foster as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foster
What does the name Foster mean?
"one who nurtures, nourishes" (from Old English). "forest keeper, woodcutter" (from Old French). Foster originates from the Old English occupational surname derived from either fostrian (to nourish, raise) or from the Old French fustier (a forest keeper or woodcutter). As a given name, Foster brings a gentle nurturing quality while also carrying the rugged energy of a surname-name. It follows the broader trend of using occupational and surname-style names for girls, creating a fresh, gender-forward choice.
What is the origin of the name Foster?
Foster has Old English, Old French, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "one who nurtures, nourishes". In Old French, it means "forest keeper, woodcutter".
Is Foster a boy or girl name?
Foster is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #5928. As a boy name, it is ranked #1077. 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 #5928 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Foster?
Common nicknames for Foster include Foss and Fossy.
What are good middle names for Foster?
Popular middle name pairings include Foster Jane, Foster Quinn, Foster Blake, Foster Lee, Foster Wren, and Foster Mae.
What are good sibling names for Foster?
Names that pair well with Foster as siblings include Harper, Hunter, Scout, Sawyer, Merritt, and Hollis.
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 #5928 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Foster
Foster is a girl name with English and American origins . The name means "one who nurtures, nourishes" in Old English .
Is Foster a boy or girl name? Foster is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #5,928 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,077. Foster is more commonly used as a boy name.
Foster is currently ranked #5,928 in popularity for girl 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 Foss and Fossy. 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