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Cutter

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Cutter Pronunciation

Cutter is pronounced KUT-ər /ˈkʌt.ər/High

Meaning: Occupational surname for a cutter of cloth, stone, or gems; also the name of a fast single-masted sailing vesselHigh

In 30 seconds: A workshop and a ship in one name: Cutter was the medieval craftsman who cut cloth and gems — and the swift sloop that outran everything in the harbor.

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Origin HighEnglish

MeaningOccupational surname for a cutter of cloth, stone, or gems; also the name of a fast single-masted sailing vessel

U.S. rank (2024)#3221 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births37 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2003

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,634

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Cutter began as a Middle English occupational surname for men who cut for a living — tailors' cutters, stonecutters, gem cutters. The word also named a fast, single-masted sailing vessel, lending the name a nautical second wind; the cult film Cutter's Way and assorted soap-opera cowboys kept it flickering in pop culture.

As a given name it surfaced in the 1980s-90s preppy-rugged lane beside Hunter and Tucker. It remains rare — a name with calluses and a jib sail.

Did you know? In sailing, a cutter was built for speed — revenue cutters chased smugglers, which is why the U.S. Coast Guard still calls its ships cutters today.

Overall data confidence 85%

Dictionary of American Family Names — Cutter — surname origin

Variations

Kutter

Nicknames

Cut

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Cutter…

Hunter— the flagship rugged occupational name

Tucker— a fellow cloth-trade surname with the same energy

Ryder— another -er action surname of the era

Colt— shares the denim-and-dust register

→ See all names like Cutter

Browse the whole category: All English names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Cutter?

Cutter is pronounced KUT-ər (/ˈkʌt.ər/). Press play above to hear Cutter said aloud.

How do you say Cutter?

Cutter is said KUT-ər (/ˈkʌt.ər/). Press play above to hear Cutter said aloud.

What does the name Cutter mean?

Cutter is an occupational surname for one who cuts — cloth, stone, or gems — and also names a fast sailing vessel.

Is Cutter a boy or girl name?

Cutter is a boy's name.

How popular is Cutter?

Cutter is a rare name in the U.S.