Porter
Porter is a boy name of English origin meaning “Gatekeeper, carrier”, pronounced POR-ter. It ranked #560 in the United States in 2025, given to 531 babies, and peaked at #275 in 1880. Common nicknames: Port, Pete.
How popular is Porter 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 Porter mean, and where does it come from?
Porter is an occupational surname with two origins that have long since merged: the man who kept the gate, from the Latin porta, and the man who carried loads, from portare. Both reached English through Norman French. It has been in American birth records since 1880 and stood at 275th place that year, which makes it one of the earliest surname names in continuous use. Cole Porter wrote the songs; the dark beer is named for the market porters who drank it.
How is Porter used around the world?
Porter is used in 1 languages worldwide.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Porter?
Famous People Named Porter
- Cole Porter — American composer and songwriter
- Porter Robinson — American electronic musician and producer
- Porter Goss — American politician and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
Similar Names to Porter
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Sibling Name Ideas for Porter
Looking for names that pair well with Porter? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Porter mean?
Porter is a boy name of English origin meaning "Gatekeeper, carrier." Porter is an occupational surname with two origins that have long since merged: the man who kept the gate, from the Latin porta, and the man who carried loads, from portare. Both reached English through Norman French.
How do you pronounce Porter?
Porter is pronounced POR-ter. Common variations include Portor, Porte.
Is Porter a boy name?
Yes, Porter is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Port, Pete.