Rising since 1986, #3,314 for boys today.
Popularity of Coulter since 1979
Babies named Coulter per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 64 |
| 1990s | 154 |
| 2000s | 204 |
| 2010s | 240 |
| 2020s | 180 |
Meaning & origin
Coulter entered the U.S. baby name records in 1979, and its trajectory has been steadily upward, with a rising trend since 1986. As of 2025, it ranks 3314th, with approximately 1 in 48802 newborns receiving the name. Its peak year was 2024, reflecting a growing appeal for surname-style, occupational names. Coulter is most popular in Texas, which tops the list of states for this name. Its etymology ties it to the Old English word for 'knife' or 'plowshare', giving it a rugged, agricultural feel. As a surname-turned-given-name, it fits alongside other occupational choices like Cooper and Walker, offering a distinctive yet familiar sound. The name's steady climb in usage suggests it resonates with parents seeking a name that is both traditional and uncommon.
Coulter is a transferred use of the English surname Coulter, which derives from the Old English word culter, meaning 'knife' or 'plowshare', an occupational name for a plowman or someone who made or used plow blades. The surname is also found in Scottish and Irish contexts, sometimes as an Anglicized form of Gaelic names. As a given name, it has seen modest use in the United States since the 1980s, particularly in Texas.
Where Coulter is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Coulter
Names that share Coulter's style, for a brother or sister.
