Carter

Origin and Meaning Carter is an English occupational surname that originated from the Middle English word "cart(e)er," which means a driver of a cart or wagon. The name is derived from the Old French word "cartier," which has the same meaning. As an occupational surname, Carter was typically given to individuals who worked as carters, transporting goods or materials via horse-drawn carts.

Distribution The surname Carter is widely distributed throughout English-speaking countries, with a high concentration in the United Kingdom and the United States. It is a common surname and ranks among the top 100 surnames in both countries.

Variations Variations of the surname Carter include Cartier, Carder, and Carther.

Famous Individuals

  • Jimmy Carter (1924-): 39th President of the United States (1977-1981) and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
  • Helena Bonham Carter (1966-): British actress known for her roles in films like "The King's Speech" and "Harry Potter" series.
  • Vince Carter (1977-): Former professional basketball player in the NBA, known for his high-flying dunks and longevity in the league.

Legacy The surname Carter has a long history and has been carried by various notable individuals across different fields, including politics, entertainment, and sports. It continues to be a common surname in English-speaking countries, reflecting its enduring legacy as an occupational name.

There are approximately 91,186 people named Carter in the UK. That makes it the 65th most common surname in Britain. Around 1,400 in a million people in Britain are named Carter.

Surname type: Occupational name

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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