Porter
Porter is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Doorkeeper, gatekeeper, or carrier.
Origin and history
Porter originated as an English occupational surname referring to a gatekeeper, doorkeeper, or carrier. In recent decades, it has grown in popularity in the United States alongside other classic occupational surnames. It offers a grounded, classic sound with a contemporary feel.
Popularity in the United States
20,808 babies in the United States have been named Porter since 1880. It ranks #822 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #496.
States where it is most popular
- UT (11.8 %)
- TX (6.8 %)
- CA (5.6 %)
- TN (4.7 %)
- NC (4.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 274 |
| 1890-1900 | 269 |
| 1900-1910 | 277 |
| 1910-1920 | 896 |
| 1920-1930 | 982 |
| 1930-1940 | 655 |
| 1940-1950 | 559 |
| 1950-1960 | 473 |
| 1960-1970 | 333 |
| 1970-1980 | 241 |
| 1980-1990 | 257 |
| 1990-2000 | 720 |
| 2000-2010 | 4,017 |
| 2010-2019 | 7,258 |
| 2020-2029 | 3,597 |
Famous people named Porter
- Porter Wagoner: Singer, Songwriter
- Porter Goss: Politician, CIA Director
Fun facts
- The name originally stems from the Old French 'portier' and Middle English 'porter', designating someone who guarded a entrance or carried loads.
- Porter follows a long-standing U.S. tradition of transferring family surnames into given first names.