Surname Forrester - Meaning and Origin

Deciphering History and Identity: A Personal Journey with iGENEA DNA Test

Dive into the world of genetics with a personal experience shared using iGENEA DNA test. Discover how the understanding of ancestral roots proves to bring forth undiscovered stories and a sense of strengthened identity. Find out how science and history intertwine creating meaningful connections.

C. Forrester

Forrester: What does the surname Forrester mean?

The surname Forrester originates from Scotland and England, and it is derived from the Old French term "forestier," which means a keeper or warden of a forest. So, the surname Forrester typically refers to an occupational name for a person who worked in a forest, specifically, someone responsible for the care and supervision of hunting grounds. It also refers to a person who lived near a forest. Over the centuries, the name has been spelled in various ways, such as Forester, Forrest, Forster, and Foster, among others. The coat of arms associated with the Forrester family includes a shield of black and silver with a hunting horn, signifying the family's long association with forestry and hunting.

Forrester: Where does the name Forrester come from?

The surname Forrester is derived from the Old French word "forestier," which literally means one who is a keeper of the forest. This occupational surname was initially given to those who were charged with the duty of overseeing and looking after royal forest lands, performing tasks such as patrolling the woodlands, protecting game and ensuring laws pertaining to the forest were obeyed.

The surname is believed to have evolved in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066, as the Normans brought with them many occupational surnames, including Forrester. Despite these origins, today this surname is relatively more common in the United States. However, it can also be found in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Scotland, and Ireland. In some instances, variations of the surname such as Forest, Forester, or Forrest, also exist. The popularity and distribution of the Forrester surname can be generally attributed to patterns of migration and the spread of the English language.

Variations of the surname Forrester

The surname Forrester originates from England and Scotland and has several variants and possible alternative spellings. This name, which was originally attributed to those who were foresters or keepers of the forest, can be seen as "Forester", "Forest", "Forster", and "Foster".

The surname, due to migrations and different phonetic interpretations in different regions, also diversified into many other versions. Variants include "Forrest", "Foresta", "Forrister" and "Forristall".

In Scotland, "Forrester" or "Forester" was a title used in the royal household, and in the Borders, the name is found as "Forstar" and "Forstare". Another variation that is found particularly in Northern England is "Forrister".

The surname may also appear with a double ‘r’ namely, "Forrer", "Forrster", "Forrestor". Magnetic migrations have made distortions in the name like "Fosser", "Fosster", "Forsatt", and "Forscut".

In various countries, due to language differences and phonetic spelling, the name may also have variations like "Ferester" in German, "Fouraste" in French, or "Förster" in Swedish and German.

However, not all variants are guaranteed to share the same origin. It's always wise to research individual family histories to establish definitive connections.

Famous people with the name Forrester

• Maureen Forrester: A Canadian operatic contralto singer known for her performances in Mahler symphonies.
• Grant Forrester: A British actor known for his role in "Surviving Picasso”.
• Matt Forrester: An English film editor known for “The Young Victoria” and other indie features.
• Victoria Forrester: An American bestselling and critically acclaimed author of “The Girl Who Could Fly”.
• Jonathan Forrester: A well-known professional badminton player from England.
• Amanda Forrester: A popular romance novel writer.
• Amelia Rose Forrester: An Australian actress who appeared in series like “The Bureau of Magical Things”.
• Bess Forrester: A British actress recognized for her roles in "Bugsy Malone" and "The Wild Geese".
• John Forrester: A British historian and philosopher of science, particularly focused on psychoanalysis.
• E.M. Forrester: Famous British novelist, although the surname is usually spelled 'Forster', not 'Forrester'.
• Dick Forrester: A Scottish footballer who played as a forward.

Other surnames

Forrest