Origin and Meaning of Porter

Gatekeeper or doorkeeper

Origin: English - Originally an occupational surname from Middle English ‘portere’, which itself comes from the Old French ‘portier’, meaning gatekeeper.

• Porter was historically used as a surname for someone whose job was to carry luggage or assist travelers, often associated with inns or hotels.
• In addition to usage as a first name, Porter is also commonly found as a last name, particularly in English-speaking countries.
• Notable bearers of the name include Porter Gage, a famous American painter, and Porter Wagoner, a well-known country singer.
• In recent years, the name Porter has seen a rise in popularity as a first name, particularly in the United States, as parents look for strong, occupational names.
• Variations and related names include Port, and it is sometimes used in combination with other names, such as Porterfield.