Origin and Meaning of Carter

Transporter of goods by cart

Origin: English - Derived from the Old French 'cartri,' which means 'cart driver' or 'transporter.' The name has its roots in medieval England, where it was originally a surname before becoming popular as a given name.

• Carter was historically a surname given to individuals who worked as carters, or those who transported goods by horse-drawn carts.
• The name has gained popularity as a first name in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries.
• Notable bearers of the name include former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and actress Emma Carter.
• Carter has seen a significant rise in popularity, especially in the United States, where it ranked among the top 50 names for boys in recent years.
• Variations of the name include the feminine form Carterette and surnames related to occupations such as Carter-Smith.