National Porter Day takes place every year on October 10, and it’s a day to celebrate those bearing this incredible name. ‘Porter’ is a unisex name and although a ‘porter’ is mostly associated with an individual who carries someone else’s luggage, such as in a hotel, the name actually has a Latin origin, meaning ‘gatekeeper.’ Despite its working-class connotation, it has a formal, refined ring to it. ‘Porter’ is commonly used as a surname, such as Cole Porter or Billy Porter, but not so much as a first name. It’s a classic yuppie name that reentered the U.S. Top 1,000 after a 40-year absence in 1999 and has grown steadily every year since.
History of National Porter Day
‘Porter’ is both a surname and a given name in the English language. It comes from the Old French occupational word ‘portier,’ which means ‘doorkeeper,’ or ‘to carry.’ All of this, in turn, comes from the Late Latin word ‘portarius,’ meaning ‘gatekeeper.’ Its first public record as a last name dates back to 1086, referencing Milo Portarius, a porter at Winchester Castle. As a result of its expanded use, ‘Porter’ became a masculine given name as well, with varying popularity through the ages: it ranked #433 in 1907, #1,002 in 1944, and #476 in 2006, according to the United States Social Security Administration.
As the use of surnames became more and more necessary and expanded all around the world, ‘Porter,’ both as a given name and as a family name, started absorbing cognates and equivalents in other European languages, such as ‘Pförtner’ and ‘Poertner’ in German. ‘Fortner’ is another variant, an Americanized version of the name that mixes both its phonetics and spelling with that of modern Nordic languages.
Nowadays, in the U.S., according to the Social Security Administration, ‘Porter’ is mostly used for men, and was at its peak in popularity in 2014, a year in which a total of 857 baby boys were given that name. As of 2022, it ranks #424, a bit less than in 2021, but still one of the most used names, on the top 500.
National Porter Day timeline
The surname ‘Porter’ is first documented in the “Domesday Book of Hampshire.”
The first ‘Porters’ arrive in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada.
Records show that 857 babies are given the name Porter.
We celebrate all the Porters out there.
National Porter Day FAQs
What ethnicity is the last name Porter?
Nowadays, it is mostly used as an English and Scottish last name.
What is the Porter family crest?
Although crests may share an origin, each one depends on the specific family. Thus, they change from generation to generation and from one country to another.
What is a nickname for Porter?
There are many nicknames, like Porty, Po, and Portie.
National Porter Day Activities
Get inspired by your name
Names are a way to feel motivated and connected. If you happen to be a Porter, you can get inspired by the accomplishments and success of those with whom you share a name.
Make a calendar list
Mark your name and its significant date on a calendar, especially if you have more than one. That way, you'll always be aware of party time.
Congratulate a Porter
To commemorate the occasion, prepare a special lunch for you and your Porter friend. Get ready to have a good time!
5 Facts About Porters
A popular international name
In Australia, over 19,000 people have ‘Porter’ as a surname and in the U.K., the number rises to around 33,000.
Mostly a masculine name
In 2021, it was not a very popular option for girls, ranking as low as #2,687 in the U.S.
It has bounced back
Since 2006, the name ‘Porter’ has been once again amongst the most popular 500 names in the U.S.
There are thousands of them
In the 2010 U.S. census, the Porter surname was found 163,054 times.
It is also a band
There is a Mexican indie-rock band called ‘Porter’, which is now back from its hiatus.
Why We Love National Porter Day
It’s all about identity
Names are important, as they are something forever associated with us. This day celebrates the identity of all Porters and shines a light on the name’s history.
It encourages self-appreciation
Without a doubt, you are an inspiration to yourself, as well as an example to others. So congratulate yourself!
It reinforces the importance of good names
Good names make you feel comfortable and assured that you can do anything. National Porter Day brings forward a great name option for new babies.
National Porter Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | October 10 | Thursday |
| 2025 | October 10 | Friday |
| 2026 | October 10 | Saturday |
| 2027 | October 10 | Sunday |
| 2028 | October 10 | Tuesday |
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