Carter
Carter is a boy name of English origin meaning “One who drives a cart”, pronounced KAR-ter. It ranked #45 in the United States in 2025, given to 6,024 babies, and peaked at #24 in 2015. Common nicknames: Cart, Car.
How popular is 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.
What does Carter mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Carter used around the world?
Carter is used in 1 languages worldwide.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the 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
Similar Names to Carter
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Sibling Name Ideas for Carter
Looking for names that pair well with Carter? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
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.