First found in Northumberland where they were seated from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D. Early records include John Forester, listed in the Pipe Rolls of Surrey of 1183, and Richard le Forester listed in the Feet of Fines of Essex in 1240. There was also a Shropshire family of this name, who held custody of part of the Wrekin forest. An early record of this family lists a Hugh Forester as a witness 1187.

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: James Forest, who settled in Virginia in 1654; George Forest settled in Virginia in 1608, 12 years before the "Mayflower"; Toby Forrester settled in Virginia in 1655.

For more information on the last name Forrester, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.