Rising since 1986, #1,499 for boys today.
Popularity of Carver since 1912
Babies named Carver per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 22 |
| 1920s | 49 |
| 1930s | 64 |
| 1940s | 142 |
| 1950s | 72 |
| 1960s | 48 |
| 1970s | 31 |
| 1980s | 38 |
| 1990s | 171 |
| 2000s | 577 |
| 2010s | 1,208 |
| 2020s | 739 |
Meaning & origin
Carver is a rare but steadily rising choice, currently ranked 1499th in 2025 with about 1 in 14,599 boys receiving it. Its popularity has been increasing since 1986, and it reached its highest rank in 2018. The name is most common in Iowa, Utah, and Wisconsin, reflecting its appeal in states with strong frontier and outdoor traditions. As an occupational surname turned first name, Carver carries a sense of craftsmanship and practicality, making it a solid, understated option for parents seeking something distinctive without being unfamiliar. Its association with George Washington Carver adds historical weight without being overly burdened by fame.
Carver is an English occupational surname meaning 'one who carves' (from Old English 'ceorfan', to cut). It was originally given to woodcarvers or sculptors. As a given name, it gained modest use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often honoring historical figures such as George Washington Carver, the renowned botanist and inventor.
Where Carver is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Car, Cary
Sibling names for Carver
Names that share Carver's style, for a brother or sister.
