Bates

“Bates is primarily of English origin, often used as a surname that has transitioned into a given name”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#7800US 2023

10Births / yr

↑Rising

121All-time births

📅 Since 191900

How to pronounce Bates

BAYTS

/ˈbeɪts/ · stress on BAYTS · 1 syllable

“Bates is primarily of English origin, often used as a surname that has transitioned into a given name”

American origin · Boy name

What does Bates mean and where does it come from?

Bates is primarily of English origin, often used as a surname that has transitioned into a given name. Its meaning indicates lineage, specifically referencing the son of a person named Bate, which would be a diminutive of Bartholomew. It has been used in the United States as both a first name and su

Cultural significance

Bates has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of old english.

Peak popularity

Reached #3217 in 1935 — currently #7800 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Bates?

Bates works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Bates Grace

How popular is Bates right now?

Rising fast — up 595 spots — currently #7800 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2023#7800 · Top 5.8%

1925

1935

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#7800	10	▲ up 595 · +11% births
2022	#8395	9	▼ down 1251 · -18% births
2021	#7144	11	▲ up 1696 · +38% births
2015	#8840	8	▼ down 5623 · +14% births
1935	#3217	7	▲ up 1470 · +40% births
1925	#4687	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Bates

Best Year1935Rank #3217

Peak Count11

Average Rank#6681

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1925 - 20236 years

The story of Bates

Bates entered American naming records in 1919 and has been in use for over 105 years. With 121 total births recorded, Bates remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4687 in 1925, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7800 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Bates in 1935:

Robert James John William Richard

Bates by decade

Bates peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	6
1920s	30
1930s	7
1950s	5
2000s	6
2010s ★	67

💎Bates has only 121 total recorded births since 1919 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Bates?

Common

BatBatieBaty

What names sound and feel like Bates?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bates also consider these

Gates

American · English

Yates

United Kingdom · English

Barnes

American · dweller at the

Bares

Arabic · A Arabic name

Bales

Arabic · A Arabic name

Fates

Arabic · A Arabic name

Cates

Latin · A Latin name

Bate

Arabic · A Arabic name

Common questions about the name Bates

What does the name Bates mean?

Bates means "Old English" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Bates?

Bates is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Bates have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Bates?

Bates originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Bates?

Bates is a one-syllable name pronounced B EY1 T S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Bates sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Bates flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Bates ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.