Carter
Carter first appears in US records in 1881. It peaked in 2015, when 10,814 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 6,024.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Carter popular?
Steady Carter has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 2015.
| 2020s | 39,334 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 95,261 | |
| 2000s | 52,320 | |
| 1990s | 9,725 | |
| 1980s | 1,680 | |
| 1970s | 1,359 | |
| 1960s | 1,345 | |
| 1950s | 1,612 | |
| 1940s | 1,340 | |
| 1930s | 863 | |
| 1920s | 881 | |
| 1910s | 680 | |
| 1900s | 199 | |
| 1890s | 134 | |
| 1880s | 100 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Carter mean?
Carter is an English occupational surname for one who drives or makes carts.
Nicknames for Carter
- Cart
Variants & spellings
- Karter
Names like Carter
English names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Carter
Popular English names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Carter
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Carter mean?
Carter means Cart driver. Carter is an English occupational surname for one who drives or makes carts.
What is the origin of the name Carter?
Carter is of English origin.
How do you pronounce Carter?
Carter is pronounced “KAR-ter.”
Is Carter a boy or a girl name?
Carter is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Carter a popular name right now?
Carter has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 2015.
How popular is the name Carter?
In 2025, Carter ranked #45 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Carter most popular?
Carter was most popular in 2015, when about 10,814 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Carter?
Common nicknames for Carter include Cart.
What names are similar to Carter?
Names similar to Carter include Landon, Jackson, Ralph, Jack, Grayson.
What names go well with Carter?
English names that pair well with Carter include Dorothy, Nancy, Edward, Joan, Mason.