Foster Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Foster come from? What does the surname Foster mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Foster and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Forster, Fewster
Surname Foster Origin: What does the last name Foster mean?
The surname Foster has a rich history dating back to the 14th century in the United Kingdom. It is an occupational surname derived from the Old English term for a "foster parent" or "fosterer." Over time, the surname became widespread in various countries, with a notable presence in the United States by the 16th century. Today, the Foster surname can be found in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, Ireland, and France, showcasing its global popularity.
YourRoots data confirms the early origins of the Foster surname in the United Kingdom, with a significant increase in records in the United States by the 17th century. The surname's presence has since expanded to numerous countries worldwide, reflecting a diverse and widespread distribution. The Foster surname signifies a lineage of foster parents or fosterers, highlighting a historical connection to caregiving roles and familial relationships.
Foster Last Name History: Where did the last name Foster come from?
Origin of Foster Surname: Where does the last name Foster originate from?
The Foster surname first surfaced in the YourRoots database in the United Kingdom around the beginning of the 14th century. This data exclusively pertains to the precise spelling of ‘Foster’ and does not consider record sources or other variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Foster: What does the Foster surname history look like in the early days?
From the 14th to the late 15th century, the Foster surname was primarily linked to the United Kingdom according to the data from YourRoots. As time progressed, a growing volume of Foster family records started appearing in other countries, most notably the United States, demonstrating an early trend of global dispersion.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Foster surname today?
By the 16th century, YourRoots data shows a considerable increase in the volume of Foster surname records in the United States. By the early 17th century, this volume surpassed that of the United Kingdom, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Foster surname is not only prevalent in the United Kingdom and the United States but also in various regions worldwide. The data reflects a global presence of the Foster surname in a wide range of countries including, but not limited to, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, Ireland, and France.
Explore Foster last name heritage and Foster surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Foster Surame?
Jodie Foster
Alicia Christian "Jodie" Foster (Nov 19, 1962 - ) is an American actress and filmmaker known for her roles in iconic films like "Taxi Driver" and "The Silence of the Lambs." She has won multiple Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards for her work in the industry.
Sutton Foster
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Meg Foster
Margaret "Meg" Foster (May 10, 1948 - ) is an American actress known for roles in TV miniseries like The Scarlet Letter and films like They Live. She starred as Christine Cagney in the first season of Cagney & Lacey. Foster's striking pale-blue eyes gained attention, leading to a diverse career in film and television.
Buddy Foster
Lucius Fisher "Buddy" Foster IV (born July 12, 1957) is an American former child actor known for his roles in television shows like Mayberry R.F.D. and The Six Million Dollar Man. He is the older brother of actress Jodie Foster and released a book called Foster Child in 1997.
Gloria Foster
Gloria Foster (November 15, 1933 - September 29, 2001) was an acclaimed American actress known for her roles on Broadway and in films like The Matrix series. She won three Obie Awards and appeared in notable productions such as A Raisin in the Sun and Having Our Say.
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