All about the name

Carter

Male

« Carter is a modern classic English unisex given name derived from the medieval occupational surname 'carter', meaning 'cart driver' or 'goods transporter'. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Carter is a unisex given name of English origin, derived from the surname which has its roots in medieval England. The surname Carter was an occupational name for a transporter or carrier of goods, coming from the Middle English word "carte", meaning cart. The name Carter has been used as a given name since the 19th century, but it gained popularity in the mid-20th century and became particularly fashionable in the United States during the 1990s. Today, Carter is considered a modern classic and continues to be popular among parents looking for strong, distinctive names. Historically, there are no significant figures or events associated with the name Carter that have contributed to its fame or popularity. However, notable people named Carter include former US President Jimmy Carter, actor Ellar Coltrane who played Mason in the film Boyhood, and American musician and fashion designer Carter Burwell. Overall, Carter is a robust and stylish name choice that has an appealing simplicity and a strong, masculine sound. Its meaning as a carrier of goods or transporter gives it an energetic and dynamic connotation that might appeal to parents looking for names with positive associations.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Carter since 1880

Total births
194,432
Total since 1880
Peak year
2015
10,811 births
in 2023
5,847
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-12%
vs previous 5 years