Origin & Meaning of the Coates Surname
What does the last name Coates mean?
The surname Coates carries the meaning "Son of Coates." 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 23,725 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Coates ranks as the #1,512 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Coates come from?
The Coates 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 Coates name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Coates 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 | Coates |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Coates |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,512 |
| US Count (2010) | 23,725 |
| Per 100K People | 8.04 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Coates
According to the US Census, the Coates surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 23,725 Americans with the Coates last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 69.11% |
| Black | 24.65% |
| Hispanic | 3.1% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.59% |
| Native American | 0.45% |
| Two or More Races | 2.09% |
Popularity of Coates Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Coates surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Coates surname increased by 2,073 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Coates Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Coates ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Coates
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Coates.
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 Coates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coates
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Coates surname also look for: