Origin & Meaning of the Gates Surname
What does the last name Gates mean?
The surname Gates carries the meaning "Son of Gates." 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 52,569 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gates ranks as the #648 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Gates come from?
The Gates 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 Gates name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Gates 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 | Gates |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Gates |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #648 |
| US Count (2010) | 52,569 |
| Per 100K People | 17.82 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Gates
According to the US Census, the Gates surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 52,569 Americans with the Gates last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 75.04% |
| Black | 19.13% |
| Hispanic | 2.38% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.62% |
| Native American | 0.76% |
| Two or More Races | 2.06% |
Popularity of Gates Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gates surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Gates surname increased by 1,821 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Gates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gates
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