carters

Carters is the plural form of the surname Carter, used to refer to multiple people or families bearing the name. In genealogical and cultural contexts, Carters may describe groups descended from early bearers of the Carter surname or simply indicate several individuals who share the surname.

The surname Carter originates in England as an occupational name for someone who drove or transported goods by cart. It derives from the Old English cartere, with cognates in related medieval languages describing a cart driver or carrier. The name first appears in English records in the 13th century and later spread to Ireland, other parts of the British Isles, and the Americas through migration and settlement.

Today, Carter is a common surname in many English-speaking countries, and Carters as its plural form is likewise widespread among descendants. Concentrations are highest in the United States and the United Kingdom, with immigrant and colonial communities established over several centuries. The surname has produced notable individuals across politics, science, sports, and the arts, reflecting its broad social footprint.

Variations and related names include Carter as the base form; unrelated surnames such as Cartwright are distinct in origin and meaning. In addition to personal names, Carter-related toponyms or fictional uses may appear in various cultural contexts, though Carters primarily denotes people bearing the Carter surname. See also: Carter (surname).