Origin & Meaning of the Foster Surname
What does the last name Foster mean?
The surname Foster carries the meaning "Occupational name for a foster parent, forester, or shearer." 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 227,764 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Foster ranks as the #99 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Foster come from?
The Foster 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 Foster name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Foster 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 | Foster |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Occupational name for a foster parent, forester, or shearer |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #99 |
| US Count (2010) | 227,764 |
| Per 100K People | 77.21 |
| First Letter | F |
Ethnic Distribution of Foster
According to the US Census, the Foster surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 227,764 Americans with the Foster last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 69.65% |
| Black | 23.94% |
| Hispanic | 2.65% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.55% |
| Native American | 0.88% |
| Two or More Races | 2.33% |
Popularity of Foster Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Foster surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Foster surname increased by 6,724 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Foster Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Foster ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Foster
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Foster.
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 Foster.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foster
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Foster surname also look for: