The name Carter has become increasingly popular in recent years, but where did it come from and what does it mean? The name has a rich history and is derived from an occupational surname, meaning someone who transports goods by cart or wagon. It has Irish, Scottish, and English origins and is ultimately of Celtic derivation.
The meaning of the name Carter is “driver of a cart,” which reflects its occupational roots. However, it can also be related to the Gaelic word “cairtear,” which loosely translates to “tourist” or “sojourner” in English. Carter has been a popular last name for many years, and it has now become a popular first name for both boys and girls. In this article, we will explore the origin, meaning, and popularity of the name Carter, as well as famous people who share the name and variations of the name in different languages.
Key Takeaways
- The name Carter is derived from an occupational surname, meaning someone who transports goods by cart or wagon.
- The meaning of the name Carter is “driver of a cart,” but it can also be related to the Gaelic word “cairtear,” which loosely translates to “tourist” or “sojourner” in English.
- Carter has become a popular first name for both boys and girls, and we will explore its origin, meaning, and popularity, as well as famous people who share the name and variations of the name in different languages.
Origin of the Name Carter
Carter is an English occupational name that dates back to the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from the Anglo-Norman French “caretier,” which means “transporter of goods by cart or wagon.” The Old French word “caret” originally meant “carrier.”
The name Carter is believed to have originated from the occupation of a person who built carts or transported goods using a cart. The name was given to those who were skilled in the craft of cart-making or cart-driving. The name Carter was also given to those who worked as guards, derived from the Old English word Caretarius or Carda.
The name Carter has been popular in English-speaking countries for centuries and is still commonly used today. It is also a popular last name and has been borne by many famous individuals, including former American president Jimmy Carter.
In addition to its English roots, the name Carter has also been found in other cultures. For example, in Gaelic, the word “cairtear” loosely translates to “tourist” or “sojourner” in English, which could be seen as a more romantic meaning for the name.
Overall, the name Carter has a rich history and has been passed down through generations as a symbol of skilled craftsmanship and hard work.
Meaning of Carter
Carter is a name with an interesting history and meaning. The name originates from the Anglo-Saxon surname, which was given to people who made or drove carts. The name has Celtic origins and is related to the Gaelic word “cairtear,” which means “tourist” or “sojourner” in English.
The name Carter has become increasingly popular as a first name in recent years. It is a unisex name, which means it can be used for both boys and girls. The name has a strong and confident sound to it, which makes it a great choice for parents who want a name that is both modern and classic.
In terms of popularity, Carter has been consistently ranked in the top 100 baby names in the United States for the past decade. It is a name that is well-known and well-liked, which makes it a safe choice for parents who want a name that is both unique and familiar.
Overall, the meaning of the name Carter is associated with hard work and determination. It is a name that is often associated with people who are reliable and trustworthy, which makes it a great choice for parents who want a name that reflects these qualities in their child.
Carter in Different Languages
Carter is a name that has its roots in Irish, Scottish, and English cultures. However, it is also used in many other languages around the world. Here are some examples of how the name Carter is pronounced and written in different languages.
Carter in Spanish
In Spanish, Carter is pronounced as “Kar-ter.” The name is not very common in Spanish-speaking countries, but it is still used. Here are some variations of the name in Spanish:
- Cartier
- Cartar
- Cartir
Carter in French
In French, Carter is pronounced as “Kar-tay.” The name is derived from the French word “caretier,” which means “carrier.” Here are some variations of the name in French:
- Cartier
- Cartier-Brébeuf
- Cartier-Émard
Carter in German
In German, Carter is pronounced as “Kar-ter.” The name is not very common in Germany, but it is still used. Here are some variations of the name in German:
- Kartner
- Karter
- Kärter
Overall, Carter is a name that has a rich history and is used in many different cultures around the world. Whether you are Irish, Scottish, English, Spanish, French, or German, the name Carter is a strong and meaningful name that can be passed down from generation to generation.
Popularity of the Name Carter
Carter is a popular name in the United States, especially for boys. According to the Social Security Administration, it has been in the top 100 most popular boys’ names since 1992. In fact, it has consistently ranked in the top 50 since 2010.
As of 2023, Carter is ranked #40 for boys’ names in the United States. It is also gaining popularity as a girl’s name, currently ranked #857.
Here are some interesting facts about the popularity of the name Carter:
- Carter peaked in popularity in 2018, when it was the 24th most popular boys’ name in the United States.
- The state with the highest percentage of baby boys named Carter is Utah.
- Carter is most popular among parents in the southern United States.
- The popularity of the name Carter may be influenced by famous people with the name, such as former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and musician Carter Beauford of the Dave Matthews Band.
Overall, the name Carter has remained a popular choice for parents in recent years. Its simple yet strong sound and association with hard work and transportation make it a timeless choice for both boys and girls.
Famous People Named Carter
The name Carter has been given to many notable individuals throughout history. Here are just a few:
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Jimmy Carter: James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr. served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work in international diplomacy and human rights.
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Beyoncé Knowles-Carter: Beyoncé is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actress who has sold over 100 million records worldwide. She is also a prominent philanthropist and advocate for social justice causes.
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Jay-Z (Shawn Carter): Jay-Z is a rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur who has sold over 100 million records worldwide. He is known for his business ventures, including the clothing line Rocawear and the streaming service Tidal.
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Aaron Carter: Aaron Carter is a singer and actor who rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He has released several hit albums and singles, including “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It)” and “I Want Candy.”
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Nick Carter: Nick Carter is a singer and actor best known as a member of the Backstreet Boys. He has also released several solo albums and appeared in several films and television shows.
These individuals have all achieved great success in their respective fields, and their names have become synonymous with excellence and achievement.
Variations of Carter
The surname Carter has a few variations, including Carters and others. These variations are a result of the name being passed down through generations and being adapted by different regions and cultures.
One notable variation of Carter is the Irish and Scottish Gaelic derived McCarter. This variation is a result of the prefix “Mc” meaning “son of,” indicating that the name was originally a patronymic surname. Another variation is the Scottish-Gaelic Mac Artair, which also means “son of Arthur.”
In addition to these variations, there are also different spellings of the name Carter, such as Carther and Karter. These variations may have originated from different regions or dialects, or simply from personal preference.
Despite the variations, the meaning of the name remains the same – a person who makes or drives carts. This meaning originated from the occupation of carting, which involved transporting goods by cart or wagon.
Overall, the variations of the name Carter reflect the diverse history and culture of the surname.