Boy · 637th of 23,106
Colter
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
8,343
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2024
Peak Popularity Year
1,643
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Colter stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Colter has its origins in Old English, meaning 'settlement near a cow enclosure'. It has evolved through various historical forms and is associated with traits of strength and ruggedness. While it does not have a biblical background, it gained popularity in the 19th century, largely in the United States, due to notable figures. Today, it reflects an adventurous spirit.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkoʊltər/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Colter is derived from the Old English word 'cū', meaning 'cow', and the suffix 'tūn', meaning 'enclosure' or 'settlement'. It was likely used to denote a person who lived near a cow enclosure or settlement.
Meaning
settlement near a cow enclosure
Language Evolution
Cūltūn (Old English), Colter (Middle English), Colter (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Colter gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century, particularly due to the influence of notable figures and explorers who bore the name.
Variants & Derivatives
Colt, Coltman, Colterson
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Colter is perceived as a strong and rugged name, often associated with outdoor and adventurous lifestyles.
Famous People
Colter Wall, a Canadian singer-songwriter known for his folk and country music., William Colter, an American explorer and frontiersman.
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,643 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 45 US states, with strongest presence in Montana
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 3 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 4 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3664th of 10718 | 127 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1188th of 16616 | 1,237 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1328th of 24088 | 1,832 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 637th of 23106 | 5,147 |