What does Slater mean and where does it come from?
Slater is an occupational surname that has transitioned into a first name, especially for females. It refers to someone who worked with slate, a type of stone. The use of surnames as first names has been popular in the U.S., particularly in the 20th and 21st centuries, with Slater being modern and t
Cultural significance
Slater has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of originally a surname meaning 'one who slates' or 'from the area of slate.'.
Peak popularity
Reached #1275 in 2025 — currently #1275 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Slater?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Slater?
Slater works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Slater Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Slater John
One syllable · timeless choice
Slater Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Slater Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Slater Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Slater Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Slater right now?
Rising fast — up 273 spots — currently #1275 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1275 | 155 | ▲ up 273 · +36% births |
| 2024 | #1548 | 114 | ▲ up 23 · +3% births |
| 2023 | #1571 | 111 | ▼ down 139 · -13% births |
| 2022 | #1432 | 128 | ▲ up 171 · +20% births |
| 2021 | #1603 | 107 | ▲ up 11860 · +1683% births |
| 2020 | #13463 | 6 | — |
The story of Slater
Slater is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2019. With 1,776 total births recorded, Slater remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #13463 in 2020 to #1571 in 2023. Slater is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Slater in 2025:
Slater by decade
Slater peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 24 | |
| 1920s | 28 | |
| 1930s | 11 | |
| 1950s | 16 | |
| 1970s | 30 | |
| 1980s | 30 | |
| 1990s | 384 | |
| 2000s | 535 | |
| 2010s ★ | 632 | |
| 2020s | 372 | |
💎With 1,776 total births, Slater is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Slater?
Common
SlaSlatSlatieSlatyAter
What names sound and feel like Slater?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Slater also consider these
Common questions about the name Slater
What does the name Slater mean?
Slater means "Originally a surname meaning 'one who slates' or 'from the area of slate.'" — 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 Slater?
Slater is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Slater have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Slater?
Slater 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 Slater?
Slater is a two-syllable name pronounced SLAY-ter. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Slater trending right now?
Slater is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.