Foster

boyEnglish

Foster is an boy name of English origin, meaning “Forester; possibly foster parent”.

MeaningForester; possibly foster parent
GenderBoy
OriginEnglish
PronunciationFOS-tər
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom

Meaning and origin of Foster

Foster is an English surname with several possible origins. It may be a shortened form of forester, a keeper of the woods, or come from Old French fustier, a saddle-tree maker. It may also refer to a foster parent. As a first name it is rare but used in the US.

Is Foster a religious name?

Foster has no religious background; it is an English surname name.

How popular is Foster?

Rare as a first name.

Gifts with the name Foster

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Spellings and variants of Foster

Forster

Names similar to Foster

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Foster mean?

Foster means 'Forester; possibly foster parent'. It is of English origin.

Does Foster have a religious meaning?

Foster has no religious background; it is an English surname name.

How do you pronounce Foster?

Foster is pronounced FOS-tər.

Is Foster a boy or girl name?

Foster is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.