N
NamyLab

Foster

female
Updated 7 months ago

Meaning

"Forester"

Occupational surname associated with forest management, transferred to given-name use, especially in English-speaking countries.

Themes:occupationalsurnamewoods
NatureNaturalUniqueRare

Fact-checked by Sarah Mitchell

B.A. Journalism, Northwestern University10+ Years Parenting WritingMom of Three • Parenting Editor

This name has been verified against authoritative sources including SSA data, etymology databases, and cultural naming traditions.

Popularity History of Foster

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#5838Ranked in 2024

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Yearly Ranking Snapshot

Pick any SSA release year to inspect that year's national ranking and how it changed from the year before.

Selected Year Rank
#5838

Foster was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
-671

lower than 2023

Data Source

Popularity rankings are based on official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks baby name applications in the United States.

Last updated: 2024 • Data source updated annually

Foster Nicknames

Familiar short forms, playful variations, and easy everyday options for Foster.

8 ideas
fost
Nickname
fosy
Nickname
ster
Nickname
stey
Nickname
tery
Nickname
fo
Nickname
fie
Nickname
fy
Nickname

Similar Names to Foster

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AN-uh

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Baby Name Lists That Include Foster

Browse every Namylab list page that currently includes Foster, from meaning and origin collections to letter, syllable, and themed baby name lists.

16 linked lists

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Foster mean?
Foster means "Forester". Occupational surname associated with forest management, transferred to given-name use, especially in English-speaking co
What is the origin of Foster?
Foster is of English origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name Foster?
According to the latest SSA data, Foster is currently ranked #5838 in the United States. The name has shown interesting trends over the past century, with popularity varying based on cultural preferences and naming trends.
Is Foster a girl name?
Foster is traditionally a girl name. However, modern naming practices are increasingly flexible, and names can be used across genders based on personal preference.
What are good nicknames for Foster?
Popular nicknames for Foster include fost, fosy, ster, stey, and more. These offer shorter, more casual alternatives for everyday use.
What names are similar to Foster?
There are many names similar to Foster in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginEnglish
Syllables2
Length6 letters
US Rank#5838
Trend↓ Falling
Starts withF

Sibling Ideas

Explore More Girl Names Like Foster

Foster has English roots, making it a wonderful choice if you love names from this heritage. Discover more options in our English baby names collection, where you'll find hundreds of names with similar cultural depth.

Foster appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Names That Mean Nature and Earth-Inspired Nature Names for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Unique Baby Names and Traditional English Names.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how Foster pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement Foster beautifully, and the Nickname Predictor reveals the most common short forms.

Explore our full baby name lists for origin-based, meaning-based, and themed collections, or head back to the baby name generator to continue your search.