Origin & Meaning of the Kates Surname
What does the last name Kates mean?
The surname Kates carries the meaning "Son of Kates." 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 4,574 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kates ranks as the #7,284 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kates come from?
The Kates 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 Kates name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kates 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 | Kates |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Kates |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,284 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,574 |
| Per 100K People | 1.55 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kates
According to the US Census, the Kates surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,574 Americans with the Kates last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 68.61% |
| Black | 23.76% |
| Hispanic | 4.13% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.83% |
| Native American | 0.39% |
| Two or More Races | 2.27% |
Popularity of Kates Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kates surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kates surname increased by 784 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 Kates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kates
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