All about the name FOSTER

Meaning, origin, history.

Foster is a surname of English origin that has become increasingly popular as a given name in recent years. The name is derived from the Old English word "fostor," which means "nourisher" or "feeder." This term was used to refer to a person who provided food and shelter for others, often in exchange for labor or service.

In medieval England, the surname Foster was typically given to individuals who were responsible for caring for and feeding young children whose parents had died or were unable to care for them. These foster parents would take in these children and raise them as their own until they were old enough to leave home and make a living on their own.

Over time, the name Foster has evolved to become associated with several different meanings and interpretations. Some people believe that it represents nurturing, support, and protection, while others see it as a symbol of growth, development, and transformation.

In literature and popular culture, Foster has been used as a character name in numerous works, including the novel "The Foster Portfolio" by Philip Roth and the television series "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends." These uses have helped to further popularize the name and contribute to its modern-day popularity.

Today, Foster is a unisex given name that continues to gain traction among parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their children. Whether you're drawn to the historic significance of the name or its contemporary appeal, choosing Foster as your child's name is sure to make them stand out from the crowd while also bestowing upon them a rich and meaningful moniker with deep roots in English history.

See also

French
France

Popularity of the name FOSTER since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

Based on the provided statistics, the name Foster had varying popularity over time. The highest number of births was recorded in 2017 with 223 births, while the lowest was in 1963 with only 42 births. There is a significant increase in the use of the name Foster starting around the year 2000, which continues until recent years, indicating a renewed popularity for the name. Overall, there were a total of 12,652 births with the name Foster from 1880 to 2023.