Carter Family Crest and Surname Origin
A short guide to the Carter surname: its meaning, its roots in England, and its heraldry.
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Origin of the Carter name
Carter is an English occupational surname for someone who transported goods by cart, from Middle English cart, with influence from Old French charetier. Carters were essential to medieval trade and farming, so the name arose in many places. It is common throughout England and became widespread in the United States.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Carter name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Carter name in England. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, Australia and Canada; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
Get your full Carter family history
The researched Carter pack traces meaning, early bearers and migration routes, and includes a personalized Carter coat of arms.
Carter name FAQ
What does the Carter name mean?
Cart driver, carrier. Common variants include Charter, Cartter, Cartier.
Where does the Carter surname come from?
It originates in England, and is also found in the United States, Australia and Canada.
Is there a Carter coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Carter crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Carter coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: Reaney & Wilson, Dictionary of English Surnames; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford); US Census Bureau 2010.