Find out how popular the first name Carver has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Carver by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Carver is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 97% of people named Carver being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 126 male babies and 9 female babies born with the name Carver.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 9 baby girls were named Carver in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Carver

The name Carver is derived from the Old English word "ceorfan," which means "to cut" or "to carve." It originated in medieval England and was initially an occupational surname given to those who worked as carpenters, woodcarvers, or sculptors.

The name's earliest recorded use as a given name dates back to the 13th century. One of the earliest known individuals with this name was Carver of Ely, a 13th-century English sculptor renowned for his intricate stone carvings adorning the Cathedral of Ely.

In the 15th century, the name gained prominence through George Carver, a Flemish artist and woodcarver whose detailed woodcarvings decorated churches and cathedrals across Europe. His artistic legacy influenced generations of woodcarvers and contributed to the name's association with craftsmanship and artistry.

During the Renaissance, the name Carver was further popularized by Italian sculptors and artists, such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680), who was revered for his masterful marble carvings and sculptures adorning churches and public spaces in Rome.

In the 18th century, the name gained historical significance with the life of George Washington Carver (1864-1943), an American agricultural scientist, inventor, and educator. Carver made numerous contributions to the agricultural industry through his innovative work with peanuts and other crops, earning him recognition as one of the most prominent African American figures of his time.

Another notable figure with the name Carver was Raymond Carver (1938-1988), an American short story writer and poet renowned for his minimalist and realistic writing style. His works, such as "Cathedral" and "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love," have had a lasting impact on contemporary literature.

Throughout history, the name Carver has been associated with creativity, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. It has been carried by artists, sculptors, writers, and scientists who have left an indelible mark on their respective fields.

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

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

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