Carter
Carter is an English occupational surname meaning ‘transporter of goods by cart’ or ‘cart driver’. Originating from Middle English ‘cartere’, it evolved into a given name during the 20th century. It’s particularly popular in English-speaking countries and has unisex usage though predominantly male.
Popularity of the name Carter in different countries
- Carter United States, where Carter ranks consistently in the top 50 boys' names since the early 2000s
- Carter Canada, following similar naming trends as the US with strong popularity in urban areas
- Carter United Kingdom, less traditional but growing in usage as a modern first name
- Carter Australia, used moderately as an imported American naming trend
- Carter New Zealand, similar to Australian usage patterns with occasional appearance
Variants and similar names to Carter
- Karter (Modern English creative spelling with K)
- Cartier (French variation, also a luxury brand name)
- Karter (Contemporary American spelling variation)
- Cárter (Spanish adaptation with accent)
- Cartwright (Related English surname meaning 'cart maker')
Famous characters named Carter
Books
- Carter Kane – The Kane Chronicles Male protagonist who discovers his Egyptian magic abilities alongside his sister Sadie Kane.
- Carter Jahn – The Love Hypothesis Main love interest and Stanford professor in the contemporary romance novel.
- John Carter – A Princess of Mars Confederate veteran transported to Mars where he becomes a warrior and hero.
- Carter Burke – Aliens Novelization Corporate executive who jeopardizes the team for profit in the Alien franchise.
Anime
- Carter – Hellsing Mercenary working for the Hellsing organization in their fight against vampires and Nazis.
- Carter – Fate/Apocrypha Secondary character participating in the Holy Grail War with his servant.
Movies
- Jack Carter – Get Carter Gangster investigating his brother's death in the British cult classic film.
- John Carter – John Carter Civil War veteran transported to Mars who becomes a hero in an alien war.
- Detective Carter – Rush Hour FBI detective played by Chris Tucker who partners with Jackie Chan's character.
TVSeries
- Dr. John Carter – ER Medical resident who evolves over 10 seasons at County General Hospital.
- Special Agent Timothy Carter – 24 CTU agent appearing in multiple seasons of the real-time action series.
- Carter – Person of Interest NYPD officer who collaborates with the main team on Machine-related cases.
Videogames
- Commander Shepard (can be named Carter) – Mass Effect Customizable protagonist who saves the galaxy from the Reaper threat.
- Carter-A259 – Halo: Reach Leader of Noble Team, a Spartan commanding the squad during the defense of Reach.
- Carter – Dead Rising Survivor found in the mall during the zombie outbreak.
- Carter Blake – The Darkness II Secondary character who assists protagonist Jackie Estacado.
- Carter – Left 4 Dead 2 Playable survivor in the campaign against hordes of infected.
