Origin & Meaning of the Forrester Surname
What does the last name Forrester mean?
The surname Forrester 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 13,878 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Forrester ranks as the #2,596 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Forrester come from?
The Forrester 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 Forrester name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Forrester 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 | Forrester |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,596 |
| US Count (2010) | 13,878 |
| Per 100K People | 4.7 |
| First Letter | F |
Ethnic Distribution of Forrester
According to the US Census, the Forrester surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 13,878 Americans with the Forrester last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.01% |
| Black | 11.49% |
| Hispanic | 2.18% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.36% |
| Native American | 0.45% |
| Two or More Races | 1.51% |
Popularity of Forrester Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Forrester surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Forrester surname increased by 602 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Forrester
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