McCarter is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
Billy McCarter (born 1888), Australian rules footballer who played for Geelong in the VFL
Gordon 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 architecture
Kyle McCarter, Republican member of the Illinois Senate, representing the 51st district since February 2009
Lloyd G. McCarter (1917–1956), Private in the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment of the United States Army, awarded the Medal of Honor
Layla McCarter a female boxer
Margaret Hill McCarter (1860–1938), American schoolteacher and novelist.
Robert H. McCarter (1859–1941), American lawyer who served as the Attorney General of New Jersey
Thomas N. McCarter (1867–1955), American lawyer who served as the Attorney General of New Jersey
Willie McCarter (born 1946), retired American basketball player
