Find out how popular the first name Cotter has been for the last 34 years (from 1990 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cotter by gender

Based on the last 34 years of data, Cotter is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Cotter.

The history of the first name Cotter

The name Cotter originates from England and is an occupational surname derived from the Old English words "cot" meaning a small dwelling or hut, and "er" indicating a person associated with that occupation. It initially referred to a person who lived in a small cottage or hut, often a craftsman or laborer.

In the Middle Ages, Cotter was a common surname among the working class in various parts of England. It first appeared as a given name in the 16th century, likely as a way to honor a family member or ancestor with the surname.

One of the earliest recorded instances of Cotter as a first name is found in the parish records of St. Mary's Church in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England, where a boy named Cotter Abbot was baptized in 1589.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the first name Cotter. One of the most famous was Cotter Morison (1580-1632), an English clergyman and playwright who served as the chaplain to King Charles I.

Another notable figure was Cotter Arundel (1612-1676), an English politician who served as a Member of Parliament during the reign of King Charles II.

In the 18th century, Cotter Murray (1733-1797) was a Scottish landowner and politician who represented Perthshire in the House of Commons.

In the 19th century, Cotter Lambton (1818-1889) was an English politician and landowner who served as a Member of Parliament for Durham City.

Cotter Cavendish (1841-1912) was a British aristocrat and courtier who served as the Lord Chamberlain to Queen Victoria and King Edward VII.

While the name Cotter has its roots in England, it has been used across various parts of the English-speaking world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, often as a way to honor family heritage or pay tribute to notable individuals from history.

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

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

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