Origin & Meaning of the Bates Surname
What does the last name Bates mean?
The surname Bates carries the meaning "Son of Bates." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 95,622 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Bates ranks as the #325 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Bates come from?
The Bates surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Bates name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Bates trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Bates |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Bates |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #325 |
| US Count (2010) | 95,622 |
| Per 100K People | 32.42 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Bates
According to the US Census, the Bates surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 95,622 Americans with the Bates last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 75.35% |
| Black | 18.9% |
| Hispanic | 2.41% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.55% |
| Native American | 0.76% |
| Two or More Races | 2.03% |
Popularity of Bates Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Bates surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Bates surname increased by 1,879 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Bates Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Bates ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Bates Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Bates
- ✓ The Bates coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Bates families live today
- ✓ Notable Bates bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Bates
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Bates.
Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Bates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bates
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
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