Origin & Meaning of the Oates Surname
What does the last name Oates mean?
The surname Oates carries the meaning "Son of Oates." 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 12,202 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Oates ranks as the #2,940 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Oates come from?
The Oates 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 Oates name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Oates 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 | Oates |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Oates |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,940 |
| US Count (2010) | 12,202 |
| Per 100K People | 4.14 |
| First Letter | O |
Ethnic Distribution of Oates
According to the US Census, the Oates surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 12,202 Americans with the Oates last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 61.02% |
| Black | 33.99% |
| Hispanic | 2.21% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.3% |
| Native American | 0.48% |
| Two or More Races | 2.0% |
Popularity of Oates Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Oates surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Oates surname increased by 856 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Oates
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