Foster

Meaning of Foster

Foster means "forest keeper" or "one who cares for". It originally referred to someone who provided care or nurturing, like a foster parent.

Foster has English roots — browse every English baby name in our catalog.

Popularity of Foster

After ranking as high as #937 in 2013, Foster has fallen out of the US top 1,000 as of 2025.

Notable people named Foster

• Foster Moreau
  NFL tight end
• Foster Friess
  Investment manager, philanthropist
• Foster Gamble
  Film producer, activist
• Foster Brooks
  Comedian, actor
• Foster Hewitt
  Hockey broadcaster

More English names

Questions about the name Foster

What does the name Foster mean?

Foster means foster means "forest keeper" or "one who cares for". it originally referred to someone who provided care or nurturing, like a foster parent, and it comes from English origins.

Is Foster a boy's or a girl's name?

Foster is most commonly used as a boy's name in the United States.

How popular is the name Foster?

Foster did not appear in the top 1,000 baby names in 2025, which makes it a genuinely uncommon pick.

When was Foster most popular?

Foster peaked at #937 in 2013.