Origin & Meaning of the Cates Surname
What does the last name Cates mean?
The surname Cates carries the meaning "Son of Cates." 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 18,190 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cates ranks as the #1,984 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cates come from?
The Cates 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 Cates name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cates 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 | Cates |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Cates |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,984 |
| US Count (2010) | 18,190 |
| Per 100K People | 6.17 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cates
According to the US Census, the Cates surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 18,190 Americans with the Cates last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 86.89% |
| Black | 6.94% |
| Hispanic | 2.7% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.64% |
| Native American | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 1.84% |
Popularity of Cates Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cates surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cates surname increased by 283 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Cates Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Cates ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Cates
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cates.
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 Cates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cates
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Cates surname also look for: