Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Porter
BoyEnglish, French· “gatekeeper, or carrier of loads”
- Meaning
- gatekeeper, or carrier of loads
- Origin
- English, French
- Pronunciation
- POR-tur
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #560
- US babies 2025
- 531
- Best rank
- #275 (1880)
- Peak year
- 2015
Meaning and origin of Porter
Porter is an English and French name that means “gatekeeper, or carrier of loads”.
Porter began as an English occupational surname brought over with Norman French. It could describe a portier, the doorkeeper who guarded the gate of a castle, abbey or walled town, or a porteur, someone who carried loads for a living. Both words trace back to Latin roots for door and for carrying. As a surname it became widely known through the songwriter Cole Porter and the short story writer Katherine Anne Porter. As a first name it belongs to the family of crisp, trade-based surnames such as Carter, Hunter and Mason, and it has a steady, capable sound. It needs no nickname, though some families use Port for fun.
Popularity over time
Porter has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 96 different years. Its best national rank was #275 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 2015, when 862 were named Porter. In 2025, 531 babies were named Porter, and it ranked #560 nationally. That is 38% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #571 in 1920, #944 in 1950, #2,596 in 1980, #803 in 2000, #447 in 2010, and #560 in 2025. Of the 20,808 US boys named Porter since records began, 35% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 4,017 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Abram, Gunnar, Solomon, Gannon, and Deacon.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Porter ranked highest in Utah, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | #197 | 28 |
| South Dakota | #215 | 7 |
| North Dakota | #219 | 6 |
| Montana | #274 | 5 |
| Tennessee | #281 | 32 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 94% of US babies named Porter over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Porter is usually pronounced POR-tur, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with P and ends in “-er”.
Middle names for Porter
A few middle names that flow with Porter: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Porter
Similar names
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PAHR-kur
“park keeper” · English
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SPEN-sur
“steward, dispenser of provisions” · English
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CHAND-lur
“candle maker” · English
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Fletcher Boy
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“arrow maker” · English
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Hunter Boy
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“hunter” · English
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Tyler Boy
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“tile maker” · English
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Sawyer Unisex
SAW-yur
“one who saws wood” · English
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Ryder Boy
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“horseman, rider” · English
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River Unisex
RIH-vur
“river” · English
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Tucker Boy
TUH-kur
“cloth fuller” · English
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Jasper Boy
JAS-pur
“treasurer; also a gemstone” · Persian
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Tanner Boy
TA-nur
“leather tanner” · English
#475
Lists that include Porter
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Porter mean?
Porter is an English and French name that means “gatekeeper, or carrier of loads”.
What is the origin of the name Porter?
Porter has English and French roots. Porter began as an English occupational surname brought over with Norman French.
Is Porter a popular name?
Yes. Porter ranked #560 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Porter a boy or girl name?
Porter is mainly a boy's name. About 94% of US babies named Porter over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Porter?
Porter is usually pronounced POR-tur. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings