Boy Name · English Origin
Foster
Considering Foster? It is a boy name whose meaning is "Forest worker", rooted in English naming tradition, and ranks in our Rare popularity tier. Phonetically it shares territory with Fisher.
Foster meaning, origin, and usage
Meaning: Forest worker
Origin: English naming roots help connect Foster to related English baby names.
Pronunciation: Baby Name Studio pronounces Foster as F·O·S·T·E·R, with 6 letters and a boy usage profile.
Popularity: According to Baby Name Studio's 2026 tracker, Foster is an uncommon, standout choice in the Rare tier.
Foster variants, nicknames, middle names, and sibling names
- Variants and spelling ideas: Fostera, Fostere, Fostery, Foste.
- Nicknames: Fos and F.
- Middle names: Pair Foster with a middle name that balances its substantial sound; start with the Foster middle name generator.
- Sibling names: Fisher, Festus, Fausto, Frazier, Fletcher — full picks on the sibling names for Foster guide for a cohesive sibset.
- Similar names: Looking for names that sound like Foster? Browse our names like Foster guide for phonetic-neighbor picks.
- Explore more: use the Baby Name Explorer, name search, AI name generator, and Baby Name Studio homepage.
Frequently asked about Foster
What does the name Foster mean?
Foster means "Forest worker" and is of English origin.
What is the origin of Foster?
Foster originates in English naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Foster?
Foster has 6 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Foster a boy's or girl's name?
Foster is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.
How popular is Foster in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Foster sits in the Rare tier — an uncommon, standout choice.
What names are similar to Foster?
Names that share Foster's sound and style include Fisher, Festus, Fausto, Frazier, Fletcher.
What middle names pair well with Foster?
Good middle-name fits for Foster pair an opposite syllable rhythm: if Foster is short, lean longer (e.g. classical or three-syllable middles); if Foster is longer, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
What are good sibling names for Foster?
Sibling names that pair naturally with Foster share its rhythm without rhyming — Fisher, Festus, Fausto all sit comfortably alongside it on a shortlist.