Foster History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

There are three distinct possible origins for this surname: from the Middle English word “foster” meaning “foster-parent, nurse”; an extension of the name Forrester or Forster, meaning “forester”; and the name could be from Forstier, a “shearer” which would eventually evolve to Forster and Foster. 1

The name is “sometimes a contraction of Forester: but there is an origin at least equally probable, viz: fosterer, one who feeds and has the charge of children instead of their parents.” 2

Early Origins of the Foster family

The surname Foster was first found in Essex where John Foster was recorded at Colchester in 1373. A few years later, Edward Foster was recorded in the Assize Rolls for Cambridgeshire in 1381. 1

So as to prove the relationship of the Foster variant with Forrester, “the seal of Walter Forestier (1371 AD v, Lo) bore the legend: SIGILLVM. WALTERI. LE. FOSTER. ” 1