Origin & Meaning of the Carter Surname
What does the last name Carter mean?
The surname Carter carries the meaning "Occupational name for a cart driver or maker." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 376,966 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Carter ranks as the #49 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Carter come from?
The Carter surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Carter name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Carter trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Carter |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Occupational name for a cart driver or maker |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #49 |
| US Count (2010) | 376,966 |
| Per 100K People | 127.79 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Carter
According to the US Census, the Carter surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 376,966 Americans with the Carter last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 58.2% |
| Black | 35.59% |
| Hispanic | 2.34% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.45% |
| Native American | 0.78% |
| Two or More Races | 2.65% |
Popularity of Carter Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Carter surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Carter surname increased by 14,418 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Carter Ancestry
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The Complete Story of the Carter Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Carter
- ✓ The Carter coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Carter families live today
- ✓ Notable Carter bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Carter
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Carter.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Carter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carter
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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