Declining since 2019, #270 for boys today.
Popularity of Karter since 1985
Babies named Karter per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 0 | 5 |
| 1990s | 29 | 212 |
| 2000s | 207 | 2,079 |
| 2010s | 2,607 | 16,874 |
| 2020s | 1,744 | 10,295 |
Meaning & origin
Karter first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1985 and has since grown into a well-known modern name. At its peak in 2020, it was the 270th most popular name for boys, with an incidence of 1 in 1,350 births in the latest year. Since 2019, its trajectory has been falling, indicating a recent decline in preference. The name is most common in states like Mississippi, Louisiana, and Delaware. As a respelling of Carter, Karter fits into the trend of replacing the letter C with K to create a more distinctive version of a traditional surname. This style has been particularly favored in the modern era, appealing to parents seeking a contemporary twist on a classic occupational name.
Karter is a modern English name, first recorded in the 1980s. It appears to be a respelling of the occupational surname Carter, which itself derives from Old English 'carr' meaning 'cart' and the agent suffix '-er,' for a cart driver or transporter. The K- spelling became popular in the late 20th century, following trends for names starting with 'K' as a variation of traditional names. Its usage has risen sharply since the 1990s, particularly in the United States.
Where Karter is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kart, K
Variants: Carter
Sibling names for Karter
Names that share Karter's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kinsley, Hadley, Paisley, Everly, Harper, Kenley, Khloe, Journei, Kenzley, Kinleigh, Heavenlee, Kaidynce, Kambri, Klarity, Kareli, Kinzee, Kynedi, Mckinsley, Raegyn, Brennley, Darely, Jaicey, Kahmya, Kaicee, Kayslee, Kennede, Kharlie, Kinsie, Kyndell, Maislyn, Mckynlie, Raylei, Xaylee, Zhanae, Zonnique
Brothers: Kason, Greyson, Landyn, Ryker, Carson, Jaxton, Princeton, Bentlee, Gatlin, Kasen, Xaiden, Artez, Kawhi, Kenner, Khylin, Karder, Kingstin, Desiah, Kartel, Kden, Kharson
Names like Karter
Names whose popularity has moved with Karter's over the last 50 years.
