Fosher

The surname FOSHER is an English name that originated in the counties of Essex and Suffolk during the late 16th century. It is derived from the Old English words "fosr" or "fostor", meaning foster or foster child. The surname likely emerged as a descriptive name given to children who were raised by someone other than their birth parents.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the FOSHER surname can be found in the parish records of Great Bromley, Essex, in 1592, where a John Fosher was listed as a landowner. The name also appeared in the Norfolk Musters of 1638, which recorded a Thomas Fosher serving in the local militia.

In the 17th century, the FOSHER surname spread to other parts of England, including London and the West Midlands. A notable FOSHER from this period was William Fosher (1622-1685), a merchant and landowner from Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire.

The FOSHER name continued to be prominent in the Essex and Suffolk regions throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1782, a Robert Fosher was recorded as the vicar of St. Mary's Church in Dedham, Essex. Another notable FOSHER was John Fosher (1794-1871), a successful farmer and landowner from Woodbridge, Suffolk.

During the 19th century, several FOSHERs made their mark in various fields. James Fosher (1819-1892) was a renowned architect from Norfolk, responsible for designing several churches and public buildings in the region. Elizabeth Fosher (1843-1921) was a prominent educator and women's rights advocate from Essex, who campaigned for equal educational opportunities for girls.

In the early 20th century, the FOSHER surname spread beyond England, with some members of the family emigrating to other parts of the world, including the United States and Australia. One notable FOSHER from this period was George Fosher (1887-1962), a British-born novelist and poet who settled in New York City.