Coulter first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Coulter has been for the last 45 years (from 1979 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Coulter

A masculine name of Scottish origin likely referring to a resident near a coulter, the blade that cuts the furrow in a plow.

Popularity of Coulter by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Coulter is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 34 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Coulter.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 34 0
2022 25 0
2021 25 0
2020 21 0
2019 24 0
2018 18 0
2017 25 0
2016 24 0
2015 24 0
2014 25 0
2013 24 0
2012 23 0
2011 26 0
2010 26 0
2009 19 0
2008 23 0
2007 19 0
2006 20 0
2005 27 0
2004 17 0
2003 22 0
2002 19 0
2001 16 0
2000 22 0
1999 14 0
1998 22 0
1997 13 0
1996 20 0
1995 18 0
1994 18 0
1993 13 0
1992 13 0
1991 12 0
1990 11 0
1989 12 0
1988 18 0
1987 5 0
1986 7 0
1985 10 0
1984 5 0
1982 7 0
1979 5 0

The history of the first name Coulter

The given name Coulter has its origins in the Scots language, derived from the occupational surname meaning "one who builds ploughs." This name traces its roots back to the Middle Ages in Scotland, where it was often spelled as "Culter" or "Cultor."

The earliest recorded use of the name Coulter can be found in historical documents from the 13th century, where it appeared as a surname in various regions of Scotland. One notable example is Sir Robert Coulter, a Scottish knight who fought in the Wars of Scottish Independence in the late 13th and early 14th centuries.

As an occupational name, Coulter was primarily associated with the agricultural communities of Scotland, where skilled craftsmen were responsible for the construction and maintenance of ploughs, a crucial tool for farming. This name gained prominence during the Medieval period when agriculture played a vital role in the Scottish economy.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Coulter. One of the earliest recorded examples is John Coulter, a Scottish explorer and botanist who lived from 1804 to 1859. He is known for his expeditions in the American West and his contributions to the study of plant life in the region.

Another famous Coulter was Ann Coulter, an American conservative political commentator and author, born in 1961. She is known for her controversial and outspoken views on various political and social issues.

In the realm of sports, Coulter Woodmansey was a renowned English cricketer who played for Yorkshire County Cricket Club in the late 19th century. He was born in 1856 and played as a right-handed batsman and wicket-keeper.

Thomas Coulter, a Scottish explorer and botanist, lived from 1793 to 1843. He is known for his extensive travels and contributions to the study of plant life in Mexico and the southwestern United States.

Lastly, Prentice Coulter, an American artist and illustrator, was born in 1894 and is remembered for his illustrations in magazines and books during the early 20th century.

While the name Coulter has its roots in Scotland, it has since spread to other parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries, where it continues to be used as a given name, carrying with it the historical legacy of its occupational origins.

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

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

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"Coulter first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 17, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/coulter-meaning-and-history/.

"Coulter first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/coulter-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 17 May, 2025

Coulter first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/coulter-meaning-and-history/.

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