Origin & Meaning of the Slate Surname
What does the last name Slate mean?
The surname Slate carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,969 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Slate ranks as the #5,796 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Slate come from?
The Slate surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Slate name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Slate trace back to European. 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 | Slate |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,796 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,969 |
| Per 100K People | 2.02 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Slate
According to the US Census, the Slate surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,969 Americans with the Slate last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.87% |
| Black | 5.19% |
| Hispanic | 2.81% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.62% |
| Native American | 1.16% |
| Two or More Races | 2.35% |
Popularity of Slate Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Slate surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Slate surname increased by 282 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Slate Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Slate ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Slate Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Slate Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Slate
- ✓ The Slate coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Slate families live today
- ✓ Notable Slate bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Slate
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Slate.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Slate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slate
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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