Find out how popular the first name Carter has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Carter by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Carter is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 96% of people named Carter being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5,847 male babies and 594 female babies born with the name Carter.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 594 baby girls were named Carter in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Carter

The name Carter has its origins in the English language and can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English word "cretere," which means "carter" or someone who drove a cart or wagon for a living. The name was initially an occupational surname, given to those who worked as carters or transporters of goods.

During the medieval period, the name Carter was predominantly found in England, particularly in regions where the transportation of goods and materials was a significant occupation. As towns and cities grew, the need for carters increased, leading to the widespread use of this occupational surname.

While the name Carter does not have any direct references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it does appear in historical records and documents from the medieval era. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name dates back to the late 13th century, when a man named John le Carter was mentioned in the Assize Rolls of Staffordshire in 1292.

Over the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Carter. One of the most famous was Elihu Carter (1762-1835), an American Baptist minister and educator who founded the Baptist Theological Seminary at Charleston, South Carolina, in 1819. Another prominent figure was Howard Carter (1874-1939), the English archaeologist and Egyptologist best known for discovering the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922.

Other notable individuals with the name Carter include:

1. Jimmy Carter (born 1924), the 39th President of the United States, who served from 1977 to 1981.
2. Ellsworth Carter (1890-1950), an American composer and conductor known for his orchestral works and film scores.
3. Rebecca Carter (1718-1806), an American revolutionary and activist who played a crucial role in the Siege of Boonesborough during the American Revolutionary War.
4. Elliott Carter (1908-2012), an influential American composer known for his innovative techniques and contributions to modern classical music.
5. Anita Carter (1933-1999), an American singer and member of the popular Carter Family folk music group, alongside her mother Maybelle Carter and sisters June and Helen.

While the name Carter has its roots in occupational surnames, it has transcended its original meaning and become a popular given name in its own right, particularly in English-speaking countries.

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 Carter was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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