Carter
One who drives a cart — a boy name of English origin
Popularity of Carter in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Carter
Carter is an English occupational surname turned given name, derived from the Anglo-Norman French word "caretier," meaning one who transports goods by cart. Like many surname-to-first-name transitions, Carter gained traction as a given name in the late 20th century, part of a broader trend of using professional surnames as first names. The name received a notable boost from President Jimmy Carter and later from its use in popular culture. Carter has been a top-30 boy name in the United States since the early 2010s, appreciated for its strong, straightforward sound.
Carter Around the World
Carter is used in 1 languages worldwide.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Carter
Famous People Named Carter
- Jimmy Carter — 39th President of the United States
- Carter Beauford — drummer of the Dave Matthews Band
- Aaron Carter — American singer and entertainer
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Sibling Name Ideas for Carter
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Carter mean?
Carter is a boy name of English origin meaning "One who drives a cart." Carter is an English occupational surname turned given name, derived from the Anglo-Norman French word "caretier," meaning one who transports goods by cart. Like many surname-to-first-name transitions, Carter gained traction as a given name in the late 20th century, part of a broader trend of using professional surnames as first names.
How do you pronounce Carter?
Carter is pronounced KAR-ter. Common variations include Karter, Cartar.
Is Carter a boy name?
Yes, Carter is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Cart, Car.
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