Find out how popular the first name Forester has been for the last 8 years (from 2015 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Forester by gender

Based on the last 8 years of data, Forester is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Forester.

The history of the first name Forester

The name Forester has its origins in the Middle English period, derived from the Old English word "forester," meaning a person who guards or maintains a forest. The name is occupational in nature, reflecting the profession of those who oversaw and managed forests, which were important resources for timber, hunting, and other activities.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Forester can be traced back to the 13th century in England, where it appeared as a surname for those employed in royal or noble forests. During the medieval period, the name was associated with individuals responsible for enforcing forest laws and regulations.

One of the earliest known references to the name Forester is found in the Domesday Book, a survey commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The book records several individuals with the title "forester," indicating the existence of this occupation in Norman England.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Forester. John Forester, an English monk and chronicler who lived in the late 13th century, is known for his work "Historiae Anglicanae Scriptores X" (Writers of English History). Robert Forester, born in 1515, was a prominent English politician and member of Parliament during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

In the 17th century, Thomas Forester (1624-1685) was an English politician and landowner who served as a member of Parliament and played a role in the English Civil War. John Reinhold Forster (1729-1798), a German naturalist and explorer, accompanied Captain James Cook on his second voyage to the Pacific Ocean and made significant contributions to the study of flora and fauna.

Another notable figure was Frank Forester (1808-1858), the pen name of William Henry Herbert, an English-American writer and sportsman known for his works on fishing, hunting, and outdoor life in America.

The name Forester has remained in use throughout the centuries, although its popularity has varied over time. It continues to be associated with professions and occupations related to forestry, wildlife management, and environmental conservation.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Forester was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Forester, please contact us.

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