Carter
Carter: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkɑɹtɚ/ · /ˈkɑːtə/
Meaning and origin of Carter
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
Etymology
As an English name, from the occupation carter. As an Irish name, from Irish Mac Artúir (literally “son of Arthur”).
How popular is Carter?
Since 1880, 10,038 girls and 206,833 boys in the U.S. have been named Carter (5% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #454 in 2025. Its highest rank for boys was #24 in 2015. In 2025 it ranked #45 for boys, with 6,703 babies given the name.
Names similar to Carter
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname boy names
Sibling name ideas for Carter
Sister and brother names that share Carter's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Carter FAQ
What does the name Carter mean?
A male given name transferred from the surname. As an English name, from the occupation carter. As an Irish name, from Irish Mac Artúir (literally “son of Arthur”).
What is the origin of the name Carter?
Carter is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Carter?
Since 1880, 10,038 girls and 206,833 boys in the U.S. have been named Carter (5% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #454 in 2025. Its highest rank for boys was #24 in 2015. In 2025 it ranked #45 for boys, with 6,703 babies given the name.
Is Carter a boy or girl name?
Carter is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 10,038 girls and 206,833 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.