Primarily a boy's name · 99% boys
Origin: EnglishIn Pythagorean numerology, every letter has a value from 1 to 9. Adding the letters of Carter yields these three numbers — a playful read on the name's character.
We wanted something presidential but not heavy. Carter landed there — one president, but a low-key one. The name doesn't carry the same weight as Lincoln or Jefferson. It's just a strong, modern American name.
— Brad, Columbus OH, 2018
My wife's maiden name. When we got married she took mine. This was our way of keeping both families in the picture.
— Rob, Nashville TN, 2020
Why did you choose this name — or what does it mean to you? Approved stories appear on this page.
→ See names similar to Carter · Compare Carter with another name → · Popular names of the 2010s · Boys names starting with C
Rank is among all boys' names registered that year.
| Year | Babies | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 79 | #322 |
| 1992 | 87 | #308 |
| 1993 | 110 | #257 |
| 1994 | 128 | #212 |
| 1995 | 186 | #182 |
| 1996 | 229 | #145 |
| 1997 | 271 | #126 |
| 1998 | 381 | #89 |
| 1999 | 329 | #100 |
| 2000 | 424 | #81 |
| 2001 | 613 | #59 |
| 2002 | 604 | #58 |
| 2003 | 612 | #59 |
| 2004 | 721 | #47 |
| 2005 | 858 | #34 |
| 2006 | 946 | #33 |
| 2007 | 831 | #36 |
| 2008 | 894 | #34 |
| 2009 | 1,031 | #26 |
| 2010 | 1,015 | #26 |
| 2011 | 995 | #26 |
| 2012 | 1,112 | #19 |
| 2013 | 1,107 | #19 |
| 2014 | 1,050 | #22 |
| 2015 | 1,001 | #23 |
| 2016 | 845 | #29 |
| 2017 | 782 | #33 |
| 2018 | 675 | #38 |
| 2019 | 626 | #42 |
| 2020 | 631 | #37 |
| 2021 | 586 | #43 |
| 2022 | 530 | #42 |
| 2023 | 353 | #79 |
| 2024 | 399 | #68 |
