Origin & Meaning of the Yates Surname
What does the last name Yates mean?
The surname Yates carries the meaning "Son of Yates." 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 63,254 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Yates ranks as the #535 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Yates come from?
The Yates 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 Yates name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Yates 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 | Yates |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Yates |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #535 |
| US Count (2010) | 63,254 |
| Per 100K People | 21.44 |
| First Letter | Y |
Ethnic Distribution of Yates
According to the US Census, the Yates surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 63,254 Americans with the Yates last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 80.58% |
| Black | 14.07% |
| Hispanic | 2.25% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.54% |
| Two or More Races | 2.07% |
Popularity of Yates Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Yates surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Yates surname increased by 1,854 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 Yates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yates
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