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

Popularity of Porter by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Porter is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 95% of people named Porter being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 602 male babies and 70 female babies born with the name Porter.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 70 baby girls were named Porter in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Porter

The given name Porter originated as an occupational surname in medieval England, derived from the Old French word "portier," meaning "doorkeeper" or "gatekeeper." It emerged in the 12th and 13th centuries when occupational surnames became more prevalent.

The name's roots can be traced back to the Latin word "portarius," which shared the same meaning. As cities and towns grew, the role of a porter, someone responsible for guarding and controlling access to gates and entrances, became increasingly important. Porters were often employed by nobility, religious institutions, and wealthy merchants to oversee the comings and goings of people and goods.

While the name Porter doesn't appear to have any direct references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it does have a rich historical legacy. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where a man named William le Porter is mentioned in Oxfordshire, England.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Porter. One of the most famous was Cole Porter (1891-1964), the renowned American composer and songwriter who penned numerous Broadway hits and popular songs, including "Anything Goes," "Night and Day," and "I've Got You Under My Skin."

Another prominent figure was David Porter (1780-1843), an American naval officer who served in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812. He was known for his bravery and tactical brilliance, earning the nickname "The Fighting Porter."

In the realm of literature, Katherine Anne Porter (1890-1980) was an influential American writer and journalist, best known for her short stories and novel "Ship of Fools." She was a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.

The name also has a notable presence in the world of sports. William Porter (1870-1929), better known as Billy Porter, was an English professional cricketer who played for various teams, including the famous Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club.

Lastly, Gene Porter (1927-2020) was an American jazz saxophonist and bandleader who played with greats like Count Basie and Dizzy Gillespie. He was renowned for his virtuosic technique and influential style.

These are just a few examples of the rich history and diverse individuals who have carried the given name Porter throughout the centuries, reflecting its enduring significance and lasting impact.

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

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

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