This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Folster family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Folster Family History

Folster Surname Meaning

Scottish: habitational name from Folsetter in Birsay (Orkney). The placename derives from Old Norse setr ‘seat residence farm dwelling’ with an uncertain first element perhaps fúll ‘stinking’.

 

German (also Fölster): unexplained.

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022


Similar surnames: 

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Folster family from?

You can see how Folster families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Folster family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1841 and 1920. The most Folster families were found in Canada in 1911. In 1891 there were 9 Folster families living in Surrey. This was about 38% of all the recorded Folster's in United Kingdom. Surrey had the highest population of Folster families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Folster surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Folster ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Farmer and Secretary were the top reported jobs for men and women in the USA named Folster. 46% of Folster men worked as a Farmer and 34% of Folster women worked as a Secretary. Some less common occupations for Americans named Folster were Truck Driver and Laundress.

View Census Data for Folster | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

United States shown, England data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Farmer
    46%
  • Laborer
    37%
  • Truck Driver
    19%

Top Female Occupations In 1940

  • Secretary
    34%
  • Saleslady
    34%
  • Laundress
    34%

What Folster family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 3,000 census records available for the last name Folster. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Folster census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Folster

Passenger Lists

There are 551 immigration records available for the last name Folster. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Folster immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 347 military records available for the last name Folster. For the veterans among your Folster ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Folster military records

You've only scratched the surface of Folster family history

Discover More

What is the average Folster lifespan?

Between 1960 and 2004, in the United States, Folster life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1960, and highest in 1991. The average life expectancy for Folster in 1960 was 29, and 78 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Folster

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Folster ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Folster family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial