Origin & Meaning of the Spates Surname
What does the last name Spates mean?
The surname Spates carries the meaning "Son of Spates." 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 2,742 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Spates ranks as the #11,476 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Spates come from?
The Spates 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 Spates name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Spates 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 | Spates |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Spates |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #11,476 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,742 |
| Per 100K People | 0.93 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Spates
According to the US Census, the Spates surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,742 Americans with the Spates last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 31.98% |
| Black | 60.94% |
| Hispanic | 2.22% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.58% |
| Native American | 0.22% |
| Two or More Races | 4.05% |
Popularity of Spates Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Spates surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Spates surname increased by 338 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Spates Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Spates ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Spates Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Spates
- ✓ The Spates coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Spates families live today
- ✓ Notable Spates bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Spates
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Spates.
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 Spates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spates
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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