gender neutral
Foster
forest guardian, forest keeper
About Foster
Foster brings warmth and substance rarely found in contemporary naming choices. This name carries an inherent kindness, suggesting nurturing qualities and generous spirit. The two-syllable structure feels solid and dependable, while the 'F' beginning adds gentle distinction. Foster transcends simple trend cycles, offering staying power that will serve well across decades. The name conveys both strength and approachability, never intimidating yet clearly substantial. Parents choosing Foster often value authenticity and straightforward communication over pretense. This name works beautifully in rural and urban settings alike, adapting naturally to various environments. Foster pairs well with traditional surnames while also complementing more unusual family names. The occupational surname origin adds historical texture without overwhelming the name's modern usability. Foster represents a thoughtful choice for parents who appreciate names that suggest character and values. It's a name that wears well in all seasons of life, maintaining its appeal from playground to professional realm.
Popularity of the Name Foster
Rank among the 1,000 most popular baby names, by year.
| United States | Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| 1880 | #448 | |
| 1881 | #353 | |
| 1882 | #295 | |
| 1883 | #289 | |
| 1884 | #404 | |
| 1885 | #348 | |
| 1886 | #373 | |
| 1887 | #414 | |
| 1888 | #363 | |
| 1889 | #341 | |
| 1890 | #373 | |
| 1891 | #293 | |
| 1892 | #284 | |
| 1893 | #287 | |
| 1894 | #282 | |
| 1895 | #362 | |
| 1896 | #280 | |
| 1897 | #303 | |
| 1898 | #318 | |
| 1899 | #295 | |
| 1900 | #420 | |
| 1901 | #292 | |
| 1902 | #360 | |
| 1903 | #363 | |
| 1904 | #303 | |
| 1905 | #375 | |
| 1906 | #322 | |
| 1907 | #430 | |
| 1908 | #357 | |
| 1909 | #410 | |
| 1910 | #417 | |
| 1911 | #353 | |
| 1912 | #391 | |
| 1913 | #383 | |
| 1914 | #405 | |
| 1915 | #419 | |
| 1916 | #387 | |
| 1917 | #426 | |
| 1918 | #406 | |
| 1919 | #430 | |
| 1920 | #418 | |
| 1921 | #432 | |
| 1922 | #443 | |
| 1923 | #462 | |
| 1924 | #472 | |
| 1925 | #482 | |
| 1926 | #465 | |
| 1927 | #488 | |
| 1928 | #590 | |
| 1929 | #543 | |
| 1930 | #548 | |
| 1931 | #557 | |
| 1932 | #593 | |
| 1933 | #579 | |
| 1934 | #561 | |
| 1935 | #534 | |
| 1936 | #628 | |
| 1937 | #570 | |
| 1938 | #562 | |
| 1939 | #639 | |
| 1940 | #627 | |
| 1941 | #632 | |
| 1942 | #577 | |
| 1943 | #582 | |
| 1944 | #594 | |
| 1945 | #586 | |
| 1946 | #691 | |
| 1947 | #616 | |
| 1948 | #626 | |
| 1949 | #663 | |
| 1950 | #721 | |
| 1951 | #768 | |
| 1952 | #780 | |
| 1953 | #841 | |
| 1954 | #941 | |
| 1955 | #865 | |
| 1956 | #803 | |
| 1957 | #885 | |
| 1958 | #930 | |
| 1959 | #921 | |
| 1961 | #886 | |
| 2012 | #994 | #772 |
| 2013 | #937 | #940 |
| 2014 | #991 | #806 |
| 2016 | #964 | #1000 |
| 2017 | #937 | #973 |
| 2019 | #945 | |
| 2020 | #962 | |
| 2023 | #966 | |
| 2025 | #901 | |
| 1995 | #958 | |
| 1999 | #939 | |
| 2004 | #844 | |
| 2009 | #952 |
Top names by country: United States · Canada
Variations of Name Foster
- Fostar
- Fostir
- Fostyr
- Fostur
- Fosstir
- Fosstyr
- Fosster
- Phoster
- Faustur
- Phaustur
- Phostar
Names Similar to Foster
Nicknames for Foster
- Fos
- Fost
- Ozzy
- Teri
Famous People Named Foster
| Foster Brooks | American actor and comedian |
| Foster Hewitt | Canadian sports broadcaster |
| Foster Knight | American painter |
| Foster Rhea Dulles | American historian and author |
| Foster Friess | American businessman and philanthropist |
| Foster Williams | English operatic bass-baritone |
| Foster Sylvers | American singer and musician |
| Foster Whaley | American politician |
| Foster Furcolo | American politician and governor of Massachusetts |
| Foster MacGowan Voorhees | American politician and governor of New Jersey |
| Foster Campbell | American politician |
| Foster Bam | Indonesian footballer |
| Foster Niumata | Tongan rugby league player |
| Foster D. Snell | American jurist and politician |
| Foster Corder | Australian rules footballer |
| Foster Edwards | Canadian ice hockey player |
| Foster Hirsch | American film historian and author |
| Foster Loyer | American basketball player |
| Foster Hewitt Jr. | Canadian sports broadcaster |
| Foster Langsdorf | American soccer player |
Characters Named Foster
| Foster Kane | From the movie "Citizen Kane" |
| Foster Longo | From the TV series "CSI - Crime Scene Investigation" |
| Foster Carver | From the TV series "Criminal Minds" |
| Foster Pickett | From the movie "Flightplan" |
| Foster Grier | From the TV series "Arrow" |
| Foster Byle | From the book "Finnikin of the Rock" by Melina Marchetta |
| Foster Pennington | From the book "Dreamfever" by Karen Marie Moning |
| Foster Lowe | From the movie "Wish I Was Here" |
| Foster Vuncannon | From the book "Old Magic" by Marianne Curley |
| Foster Beck | From the movie "Wild Things - Diamonds in the Rough" |
| Foster Brooks | From the TV series "Laverne & Shirley" |