Carter Name Meaning and Origin

Origins and Etymology

Celtic Roots

The surname Carter has Celtic origins, derived from the Gaelic word "cairtear," which translates to "tourist" or "sojourner." This suggests that individuals with the Carter surname may have been nomadic or migratory in nature.

Occupational Derivation

In English, Carter evolved from an occupational surname denoting someone who used a cart or wagon to transport goods. The term "carter" was commonly used to refer to individuals who transported agricultural produce or other commodities.

Famous Bearers

One notable bearer of the Carter surname is the former President of the United States, Jimmy Carter (born 1924), who served from 1977 to 1981.

Popularity and Distribution

The name Carter has been popular in the English-speaking world for centuries, and it continues to be a common surname in the present day. It has consistently ranked among the top 100 most common surnames in the United States since the turn of the millennium.