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Carter

Boy / Girl name · 1,262 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Carter: 1,262 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to both boys and girls, peaking at 113 births in 2018.

Carter began as an occupational surname for a person who transported goods by cart—from the Old English *craet*, meaning “chariot” or “cart.” As a given name, it’s a classic Scottish and English surname-turned-first-name, with a sturdy, practical feel. Famous bearers include former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and celebrated American novelist Raymond Carter, known for his spare, powerful short stories. There’s also the Carter family, foundational figures in country music. Geographically, Carter County in several U.S. states takes its name from a person, not the trade, but the name itself echoes through places like Cartersville in Georgia. A notable modern twist: Carter has surged in popularity as a unisex choice, though it remains far more common for boys, and shares its roots with the Scottish surname MacArthur—meaning “son of the cartwright.”