McCarter is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
Billy McCarter (born 1888), Australian rules footballer who played for Geelong in the VFLGordon McCarter (1931–2002), American football official in the National Football League (NFL)Harold McCarter Taylor (1907–1995), New Zealand-born British mathematician, theoretical physicist and historian of architectureKyle McCarter, Republican member of the Illinois Senate, representing the 51st district since February 2009Lloyd G. McCarter (1917–1956), Private in the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment of the United States Army, awarded the Medal of HonorLayla McCarter a female boxerMargaret Hill McCarter (1860–1938), American schoolteacher and novelist.Robert H. McCarter (1859–1941), American lawyer who served as the Attorney General of New JerseyThomas N. McCarter (1867–1955), American lawyer who served as the Attorney General of New JerseyWillie McCarter (born 1946), retired American basketball player