Carter is an English surname that originates from the Middle English word "carter," which means "cart driver." It was often given as an occupational name to someone who drove a cart or wagon, particularly in rural areas where agriculture and farming were prevalent.
The name Carter became popular during the Victorian era in England, around the mid-19th century. It gained further popularity in the United States during the late 20th century, with its usage reaching peak popularity in the early 21st century.
As a given name, Carter is believed to have been inspired by the surname, as it shares the same meaning and origin. The name has since become unisex, being used for both boys and girls alike. However, it is still more commonly associated with males.
In some cases, Carter may also be used as a shortened form of other names such as Carthage, Carthalo, or even Carteret, which are derived from various places in England like Carthage in Hampshire or the Isle of Carteret in Guernsey.
Overall, the name Carter is an appealing choice due to its strong and distinctive sound, as well as its historical connection to the working-class roots of England. It has also gained popularity in recent years thanks to celebrities who have named their children Carter, further increasing its visibility in popular culture.
The name Carter has been a popular choice for babies born in the United States over the past century, with fluctuations in its popularity over time.
In the early to mid-20th century, the number of births with the name Carter varied between 5 and 14 each year. It wasn't until the late 1970s that we began to see a significant increase in its popularity, with 24 births recorded in 1985.
The popularity of the name Carter continued to grow throughout the 1980s and 1990s, reaching a peak of 653 births in 2018. Since then, the number of babies named Carter has remained relatively stable, with around 550-600 births each year.
In total, over the past century, there have been approximately 8747 births with the name Carter recorded in the United States. This demonstrates that while Carter may not be one of the most popular names overall, it has nonetheless been a consistent and enduring choice for parents throughout recent history.