Carter

What does the baby name Carter mean? Learn about what Carter means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Carter - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Carter: C-A-R-T-E-R, is a 6-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Carter: KAHR-tər; KAR ter
Meaning of Carter: Transportor of goods with a cart, driver of a cart, cart driver.
Origin of Carter: The name 'Carter' has an English origin. It is derived from an occupational surname, which was originally given to individuals who transported goods by cart. The word 'cart' itself comes from the Old Norse word 'kartr', meaning 'a cart or wagon'. Over time, the surname 'Carter' became a popular given name for boys.; African American Names; American Names; Celebrity Names; English Names; Occupational Names; Old English Names; Politician Names; President Names; Surname Names
Popularity of Carter: The name 'Carter' has experienced a significant rise in popularity in recent years. It first entered the top 1,000 names for boys in the United States in the early 1990s and has steadily climbed the ranks since then. In 2020, 'Carter' was ranked as the 29th most popular name for boys in the United States.; Carter currently has 597 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked boy's names. The name Howard is slightly more popular than Carter.

Etymology of Carter

The etymology of the name 'Carter' is closely tied to its occupational origins. As mentioned earlier, the name is derived from the word 'cart', which refers to a vehicle used for transporting goods. The occupation of a cart driver or transporter was an essential one in medieval times, and the name 'Carter' came to represent this profession.

Cultural Significance of Carter

The name 'Carter' does not hold any specific cultural or symbolic significance. However, as an occupational surname turned given name, it represents a connection to the working-class roots and the importance of transportation in historical English society.