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Foster

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Foster Pronunciation

Foster is pronounced FOS-tər /ˈfɑs.tər/High

Meaning: From the English surname Foster — variously 'a forester', 'a shearer', or 'one who fosters/nourishes' (a foster-parent); here for girls; predominantly a boys' name; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A forester; one who nourishes: Foster is an English surname — 'a forester' (and 'one who fosters'). Crisp, warm, and modern. Used for both sexes (here for girls).

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningFrom the English surname Foster — variously 'a forester', 'a shearer', or 'one who fosters/nourishes' (a foster-parent); here for girls; predominantly a boys' name; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#5838 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births21 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 272

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Foster comes from the English surname Foster — variously a contraction of 'forester' (a keeper of the forest), 'a shearer' (from 'forcer', scissors), or 'one who fosters, who nourishes and rears' (a foster-parent; routes layered, which we note). A crisp, warm, modern surname-name (the songwriter Stephen Foster), predominantly a boys' name, here covered for girls honestly (slug distinguished; nickname Foss).

It registers thinly for girls. Rare for girls, a-forester-or-one-who-nourishes at the root, and warm.

Did you know? Foster is an English surname, variously 'a forester' (a keeper of the woods), 'a shearer', or 'one who fosters, who nourishes' (a foster-parent) — a crisp, warm surname-name, used for both sexes (the composer Stephen Foster; the routes are layered, which we note).

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Foster — routes layered

Variations

ForsterFostyr

Nicknames

Foss

Themes & Styles

Uncertain English Unisex Surname-name Occupational

If you like Foster…

Forrest— a fellow forest/woods name

Fletcher— a companion occupational surname-name

Sawyer— another occupational surname girls' name

Fisher— a fellow occupational surname-name

→ See all names like Foster

Browse the whole category: All English names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Foster?

Foster is pronounced FOS-tər (/ˈfɑs.tər/). Press play above to hear Foster said aloud.

How do you say Foster?

Foster is said FOS-tər (/ˈfɑs.tər/). Press play above to hear Foster said aloud.

What does the name Foster mean?

Foster is an English surname, variously 'a forester', 'a shearer', or 'one who fosters/nourishes'; the routes are layered.

Is Foster a boy or girl name?

Foster is predominantly a boys' name; this page covers its use for girls.

How popular is Foster?

Foster is rare for girls in the U.S.