Porter

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

Porter - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Porter: P-O-R-T-E-R, is a 6-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Porter: PAWR-tər; POR ter
Meaning of Porter: Gatekeeper, door keeper, keeping the gate, one who carries goods, door guard.
Origin of Porter: The name 'Porter' finds its origins in the English language. It is derived from the Middle English word 'portour', which means 'gatekeeper' or 'doorkeeper'. The word itself is derived from the Old French word 'portier', which has the same meaning.; Classic Names; English Names; French Names; Latin Names; Musical Names; Occupational Names; Surname Names
Popularity of Porter: The popularity of the name 'Porter' has seen fluctuations throughout history. In the United States, the name gained popularity in the late 19th century and early 20th century. It reached its peak in the 1920s and 1930s when it ranked among the top 200 most popular names for boys. Since then, its popularity has gradually declined.; Porter currently has 70 likes, and is in the top 5% of liked boy's names. The name Bastian is slightly more popular than Porter.

Etymology of Porter

The etymology of the name 'Porter' is closely linked to the occupation of a gatekeeper or doorkeeper. The word 'portour' in Middle English and 'portier' in Old French both refer to someone who guards an entrance, typically a gate or a door. The name 'Porter' is a direct reflection of this occupation.

Cultural Significance of Porter

The name 'Porter' carries connotations of reliability, responsibility, and security. Historically, porters were entrusted with the important task of guarding entrances and ensuring the safety of those within. As such, the name 'Porter' is often associated with qualities such as trustworthiness and dependability.