The surname Foster is an English and Scottish occupational name, deriving from the Old English "fostra," meaning foster child or foster parent, and "-er," a suffix denoting occupation. Originally, it was given as a nickname to a person who raised children for others, or it could refer to someone who was brought up by another family. In Scotland, it also had a Gaelic influence, with the name Mac an Fhuistir being anglicized to Foster. The name is also found in Ireland, where it may have been introduced by English settlers during the Middle Ages.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Foster
The meaning and origin of the last name Foster
The surname Foster derives from Old English roots, specifically "fost-re" or "fost-ra", which means 'foster father' or 'foster child'. It was often given as a name to individuals who were raised by a foster parent, or to those who acted as foster parents. Over time, the surname evolved into Foster as a last name, particularly in England and Ireland. Notable figures with the surname Foster include the poet Thomas Edward Lawrence Foster (known as "Lawrence of Arabia"), and the American inventor Elias Howe, Jr., inventor of the sewing machine. The surname is also common among English-speaking populations worldwide due to emigration and colonial expansion over centuries.
Geographical distribution of the last name Foster
The surname Foster is predominantly distributed across several English-speaking regions due to its Anglo-Saxon origin. In England, it's most common in eastern and central counties like Norfolk, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire, reflecting the historical spread of the Anglo-Saxons. It's also prevalent in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, owing to migration and colonization over centuries. In North America, the name is particularly prominent in the United States and Canada, with significant concentrations in the southern and eastern states of the U.S., such as Virginia, Massachusetts, and Texas, and provinces like Ontario and Quebec in Canada. The name also has a presence in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, where it was often carried by early settlers from England.
Variants and spellings of the last name Foster
The surname Foster has several variants and spellings due to historical and regional variations in transcription. Some common variations include Foster, Forster, Fostar, Foust, Fauster, Faust, and Fouste. These variations may occur due to phonetic changes, misinterpretations during the recording of genealogical records, or assimilation into different cultures with their own spelling conventions. Additionally, some families may have adapted their surname over time for personal or regional reasons, which can result in further variations. It's important to note that these variations don't necessarily imply a different origin or ancestry for the individuals bearing them, but rather reflect historical and cultural contexts of name-giving.
Famous people with the last name Foster
Notable individuals sharing the surname Foster include:
1. Jodie Foster (born 1962), an American actress and film director who began her career as a child actor and is known for her roles in films such as Taxi Driver, Silence of the Lambs, and The Accused, for which she won Academy Awards for Best Actress.
2. Cal Foster (born 1953), an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, who competed in the World Wrestling Federation during the 1980s and early 1990s.
3. Charles Foster Kane, a fictional character created by journalist-turned-filmmaker Orson Welles for his debut film Citizen Kane (1941). Kane is often considered one of the greatest films in the history of cinema.
4. Melvyn Douglas (1901–1981), an American actor who won two Academy Awards, one for his supporting role in Hud and another for his lead performance in Being There.
5. Rachel Foster (born 1987), a British actress who played the roles of Fiona in the television series Fresh Meat and Mia Bennett in Doctors.
6. Charlie Foster (1840–1923), an American lawyer, politician, and Union Army general during the American Civil War. He served as United States Attorney General from 1877 to 1885 under President Rutherford B. Hayes.
Genealogical research on the last name Foster
The surname Foster originates from the Old English and Old Norse names Forster, meaning 'forest dweller' or 'woodsman'. It was first recorded in England during the late Anglo-Saxon period, around the 12th century. The name became widespread due to Norman influence after the conquest of England in 1066, as it was adopted by descendants of Viking settlers and their followers. Over time, variations such as Forster, Fostre, and Fouster emerged. Notable individuals with the surname Foster include John Foster Dulles, a U.S. Secretary of State; Edward Robert Foster, an English mathematician and astronomer; and Ella Fitzgerald, known as the First Lady of Song, whose birth name was Fosterdahl. The Foster family is also significant in American history, with many prominent members including the Foster family of Rhode Island, who were among the first settlers there.
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The surname Fosberry is of English origin. It is believed to be a locational surname derived from the Old English word "fors," meaning waterfall, and "burh," meaning fortification ...
The surname "Foschia" is of Italian origin. It is believed to be a surname derived from a place name, indicating that the original bearer of the surname may have come from a town o...
The last name Foschiani is of Italian origin. It is derived from the given name Fosco, which means "dark" or "dusky" in Italian. The suffix "-iani" is a common suffix in Italian su...
The surname Foschini is believed to have Italian origins. It's derived from various places named Foschio or Fossa in Italy. In some cases, it may also be a variation of the more co...
The last name "Fosiul" is of Bengali origin, commonly found in Bangladesh. It is derived from the Bengali word "Fasi," which means "execution" or "gallows," suggesting a possible h...
The surname Fossa has roots in various regions and languages. It is an Italian and French surname that originates from topographical features. In Italian, "fossa" means a ditch or ...
The surname Fossard is of French origin. It is derived from a place name meaning "the ford near the rocky outcrop" in Old Norman. This name would have been given to someone who liv...
The surname Fossati is of Italian origin. It is derived from a place name or a nickname and refers to someone who was originally from or associated with a place named Fossato, whic...
The surname Fosse is of Old French origin. It is derived from a topographic name for someone who lived near a marshy area, from the Old French word "fausse" meaning 'marsh' or 'moo...
I'm sorry, but I could not find information on the origin of the last name "Fossouo". It may be a rare or unique surname with limited available information.
