Forster Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Forster come from? What does the surname Forster mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Forster and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Forster Origin: What does the last name Forster mean?
The surname Forster is of English origin, meaning "forester," and can also be an anglicization of the German surname Förster or Foerster with the same meaning. The Forster surname has been documented in records from England in the United Kingdom since the beginning of the 11th century. It was closely associated with England from the 11th to the 15th century, but records also show a presence in France during the same period, indicating early expansion beyond the British Isles. By the 16th century, the volume of records with the Forster surname started to increase, particularly in England, and continued to grow into the 17th and 18th centuries.
YourRoots data confirms the global spread of the Forster surname, with a presence in countries historically linked to the United Kingdom such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and more. The surname has a rich history and has evolved over the centuries, reflecting a global heritage. Today, the Forster surname can be found in various regions worldwide, demonstrating its enduring presence and legacy across different cultures and geographies.
Forster Last Name History: Where did the last name Forster come from?
Origin of Forster Surname: Where does the last name Forster originate from?
Based on the YourRoots database, the Forster surname was first documented in records from England in the United Kingdom around the beginning of the 11th century. This information is based on the exact spelling "Forster" as found in the YourRoots database, and it does not consider other potential sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Forster: What does the Forster surname history look like in the early days?
The Forster surname was closely associated with the United Kingdom, particularly England, from the 11th to the 15th century, according to the YourRoots data. However, a significant presence of the Forster family records is also observed in France during the same period, indicating an early expansion beyond the British Isles.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Forster surname today?
By the 16th century, the volume of records with the Forster surname started to show a noticeable increase, particularly in England. This growth trend continued into the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the Forster surname has a global presence. Although the YourRoots data does not provide the exact countries, it is safe to assume that the surname can be found in countries with historical links to the United Kingdom, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, among others.
Explore Forster last name heritage and Forster surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Forster Surame?
Robert Forster
Robert Wallace Foster Jr. (July 13, 1941 – October 11, 2019), known as Robert Forster, was an American actor known for his versatile roles in over 100 films and television series. His notable performances include Max Cherry in Quentin Tarantino's "Jackie Brown" (1997) for which he received an Academy Award nomination, and Sheriff Hadley in "The Wolf of Snow Hollow" (2020). Forster also appeared in popular series like "Heroes" (2007-08) and "Twin Peaks: The Return" (2017). With a career spanning decades, he showcased his talent in a range of genres from drama to action, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
E. M. Forster
Edward Morgan Forster (1 Jan 1879 – 7 Jun 1970) was an English author known for novels like A Room with a View, Howards End, and A Passage to India. His works often explored class differences and hypocrisy, with a humanist perspective at their core. Forster was a key figure in the Edwardian era of English literature and was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature 22 times. He declined a knighthood in 1949 but accepted the Order of Merit later. Many of his novels were posthumously adapted for cinema, including acclaimed period dramas like A Room with a View and Howards End.
Marc Forster
Marc Forster (Nov 30, 1969) is a German-Swiss filmmaker known for directing films like Monster's Ball, Finding Neverland, Quantum of Solace, and World War Z. He has received nominations for BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Independent Spirit Awards throughout his career. Forster has also worked on television commercials and has a diverse filmography ranging from psychological dramas to romantic comedies. His successful projects include adaptations of popular novels and big-budget action films, showcasing his versatility as a director. With upcoming projects like A Man Called Otto and a Thomas & Friends film, Forster continues to make his mark in the film industry.
Fraser Forster
Fraser Gerard Forster (born Mar 17, 1988) is an English professional footballer known for his impressive goalkeeping skills. He has played for top clubs like Newcastle United, Celtic, and Southampton, setting records along the way. Forster has also represented England in international competitions like the World Cup and Euro. His talent and resilience on the field have earned him a solid reputation in the world of football.
Brian Forster
Brian A. Forster (born Apr 14, 1960) is an American former child actor known for playing Chris Partridge in the TV series The Partridge Family. He replaced Jeremy Gelbwaks in 1971 and continued in the role until the show ended in 1974. Forster is also a racing car driver and has voiced Chris in the 1974 Saturday morning cartoon Partridge Family 2200 A.D. He comes from a family of actors and is related to Charles Dickens through his mother. Forster's diverse career includes acting in community theater and starring in a traffic safety film called "The Talking Car" in 1969.
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