Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Carter

The given name Carter comes from the transferred use of an English surname which originated as an occupation name. The word cart comes from the Old French “caret” meaning “carrier” (basically one who transported goods in a cart). Surnames were introduced in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066 as a means to keep track of people and their assets for the purpose of taxation. Trade-descriptive surnames were among the earliest to be introduced around the 12th century and were passed down to the son only if he followed his father into the same line of work. The spelling variation of Carter developed from its earlier predecessors such as Charer or Charman describing a carter or driver of a "char" (short for chariot). Another possible derivation of the name Carter comes from the Gaelic word “cairtear” which is a term for a tourist or sojourner. Usage of surnames as forenames dates back to at least the 19th century and has always been more typically a masculine naming style (although in recent years, surnames have become quite fashionable for baby girls, as well). Carter is a pretty popular boy’s name in both Canada and the United States, but it also shows up on Northern Ireland’s Top 100 list.

All About the Baby Name – Carter

Personality

OF THE UNISEX NAME CARTER

The number 11 is a Master Number, and embodies heightened traits of the Two. This personality is on a life journey to find spiritual truth. They are extremely idealistic and intuitive. Elevens have a rare and exceptional spiritual energy that brings a sense of obligation to illuminate the world around them. It's a very powerful responsibility, but these people have far more potential than they know. It's important that they surrender to higher ideals. They have the capacity to see the bigger picture, and they possess the skills to inspire others spiritually. Elevens have strong diplomatic skills and can become great peacemakers. Master numbers can be both a blessing and a curse, as they walk the fine line between greatness and the potential for self-destruction.

Popularity

OF THE UNISEX NAME CARTER

The name Carter has been in circulation as a boy’s name for well over a century in America. Occasionally, the name is used for girls, but so rarely that it doesn’t even register on the charts. In fact, Carter is 37 times more popular boys vs. girls. Therefore, we consider Carter a “masculine” name as opposed to unisex. The name has generally experienced relatively low success even for boys until about the year 2000. When you look at the name’s recent and rapid ascension to the top of the charts, you can clearly see that Carter is currently “in vogue” – yet somehow it doesn’t feel overused or super common. When it comes to surnames as forenames for boys, Carter is in fifth place right now (after Mason, Logan, Jackson and Landon). Carter is a strong sounding name with blue-collar elements given its origin as a trade name. It’s confident, cool and casual.

Quick Facts

ON CARTER

GENDER:

Unisex

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

KAHR-ter

SIMPLE MEANING:

One who transports goods in a cart; a carrier

Characteristics

OF CARTER

Inspirational

Highly Intuitive

Spiritual Teacher

Extremely Bright

Uplifting

Truth-seeker

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Carter

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME CARTER

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Carter

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME CARTER

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Carter


Popular Songs

ON CARTER

Mr. Carter
a song by Lil Wayne [explicit]

Famous People

NAMED CARTER

Carter Braxton (signer of the Declaration of Independence)
Carter Oosterhouse (TV personality)

Children of Famous People

NAMED CARTER

Beyoncé and Jay-Z;

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME CARTER

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Carter