Forster is an English surname and given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German personal name "Forseti," which means "leader" or "ruler." It was originally used as a nickname for someone considered to be a leader or ruler in some way. The name is also associated with the Norse god Forseti, who was the god of justice and law. In the Middle Ages, Forster became an occupational surname given to officials responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining order. Today, Forster is used as both a family name and a given name for boys and girls. Notable individuals bearing this name include the British author E.M. Forster, known for works such as "A Room with a View" and "Maurice," and the German-American physicist Werner Karl Heisenberg, who made significant contributions to quantum mechanics.
"Over a span of twenty-seven years (1920-1947), the name Forster experienced fluctuating popularity with an average of about five births per year, peaking at seven in 1938 and dipping to as low as five in six out of those seven years."