Origin & Meaning of the Forester Surname
What does the last name Forester mean?
The surname Forester carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,037 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Forester ranks as the #6,704 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Forester come from?
The Forester surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Forester name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Forester trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Forester |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,704 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,037 |
| Per 100K People | 1.71 |
| First Letter | F |
Ethnic Distribution of Forester
According to the US Census, the Forester surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,037 Americans with the Forester last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 89.06% |
| Black | 4.69% |
| Hispanic | 3.51% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.44% |
| Native American | 0.46% |
| Two or More Races | 1.85% |
Popularity of Forester Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Forester surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Forester surname increased by 306 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Forester Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Forester ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Forester
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Forester.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Forester.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forester
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Forester surname also look for: