Meaning & Origin
An English surname originating as an occupation, variant of Forster.
Foster is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old English origin, an occupational surname from the Old English forester — a forest worker or guardian — meaning "forest keeper" or "one who tends the forest." It carries the adventurous, outdoorsy energy of its woodland origin.
Foster has been growing as a first name with the naturalist, outdoor quality of Forrest combined with the surname-name confidence of Parker and Hunter. Actor Jodie Foster, poet Stephen Foster, and author Foster Wallace have all given the name cultural presence across the arts, making it a name with genuine intellectual associations.