Carter Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Carter come from? What does the surname Carter mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Carter and family migration on YourRoots Map.
McCarter, Carrier, Cartman, Charman, Chartier, Karter
Surname Carter Origin: What does the last name Carter mean?
The surname Carter has roots in Irish, Scottish, and English origins, stemming from the Celtic word "cairt," meaning cart. This occupational name was given to individuals who transported goods by cart or wagon. The name has ties to the Proto-Indo-European word "kars" or "kart," referring to a wheeled vehicle. The earliest recorded use of the surname Carter dates back to 1192–1193 in England, during the reign of King Richard I. Over time, the name evolved into various forms like McCarter, Mac Artair, and more, reflecting influences from Norman French and Gaelic languages.
Today, Carter is the 44th most common surname in the United States and the 56th most common in England. In Ireland, it ranks as the 70th most common surname, notably found in County Laois and other regions like Dublin and Cork. The surname Carter also has a significant presence in Scotland, particularly in the Outer Hebrides. The name Carter has a diverse history, reflecting the assimilation of various cultures and influences over the centuries, contributing to its widespread presence in different parts of the world.
Carter Last Name History: Where did the last name Carter come from?
Origin of Carter Surname: Where does the last name Carter originate from?
Based on the YourRoots database, the surname Carter was first documented in records from England around the early 13th century. This data pertains specifically to the "Carter" spelling in our records and does not consider other potential sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Carter: What does the Carter surname history look like in the early days?
The "Carter" surname was closely linked with England from the 13th to the 15th century, according to YourRoots data. The data also illustrates that the Carter surname began to appear more frequently in other countries such as the United States, suggesting a global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Carter surname today?
By the 17th century, data from YourRoots shows a substantial increase in the frequency of the Carter surname in the United States. The trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, surpassing the frequency in the United Kingdom. Today, the "Carter" surname is common not only in the United States but also in various countries around the globe, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, and more.
Explore Carter last name heritage and Carter surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Carter Surame?
Blue Ivy Carter
Blue Ivy Carter (January 7, 2012 - ) is an American singer and actress, known as the daughter of musicians Beyoncé and Jay-Z. She holds Guinness World Records for being the youngest on the Billboard chart and the youngest Grammy Award recipient. Carter has also appeared in media and won awards for her music performances.
Lynda Carter
Lynda Jean Cordova Carter (born Jul 24, 1951) is an American actress, singer, and beauty pageant contestant. She is best known for portraying Wonder Woman in the television series of the same name, which aired from 1975 to 1979 on ABC and later on CBS. Carter has also appeared in various films and television series throughout her career.
Dixie Carter
Dixie Virginia Carter (May 25, 1939 - April 10, 2010) was an American actress known for her roles as Julia Sugarbaker on Designing Women and as Randi King on Family Law. She also appeared in Broadway productions and soap operas, showcasing her talent in various genres.
Amy Carter
Amy Lynn Carter (born Oct 19, 1967) is the daughter of the 39th U.S. president Jimmy Carter. She gained attention as a child living in the White House during her father's presidency. Carter is known for her activism against apartheid and the CIA, as well as her illustration work.
Nell Carter
Nell Ruth Carter (Sep 13, 1948 - Jan 23, 2003) was an American actress and singer best known for her role as Nell Harper on the sitcom Gimme a Break! from 1981 to 1987. She won a Tony Award for Ain't Misbehavin' and had a successful career on Broadway and television.
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