What does Tate mean and where does it come from?
Originally an English surname, Tate has evolved into a recognized given name for females, particularly in the United States where the trend of using surnames as first names has skyrocketed. The name Tate can be traced back to Old English, and 'Tata' was used to denote one who is cheerful or amiable.
Cultural significance
Tate has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #2514 in 2000 — currently #197 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Tate?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Tate?
Tate works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tate Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tate Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tate Claire
French influence · crisp
Tate Jane
Literary · strong
Tate Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tate right now?
Rising — up 37 spots — currently #197 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #197 | 1,851 | ▲ up 37 · +24% births |
| 2022 | #234 | 1,488 | ▲ up 70 · +36% births |
| 2021 | #304 | 1,091 | ▲ up 3756 · +3109% births |
| 2020 | #4060 | 34 | ▲ up 428 · +10% births |
| 2015 | #4488 | 31 | ▲ up 251 · +3% births |
| 2010 | #4739 | 30 | ▼ down 1607 · -40% births |
| 2005 | #3132 | 50 | ▼ down 618 · -17% births |
| 2000 | #2514 | 60 | ▲ up 1851 · +161% births |
| 1995 | #4365 | 23 | ▲ up 1817 · +64% births |
| 1990 | #6182 | 14 | ▲ up 3272 · +133% births |
| 1985 | #9454 | 6 | ▼ down 207 · +20% births |
| 1975 | #9247 | 5 | — |
The story of Tate
Tate is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1975. A total of 20,493 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9247 in 1975 to #197 in 2023. Tate is used for both genders: 5% female and 95% male.
Names that peaked alongside Tate in 2000:
Tate by decade
Tate peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 53 | |
| 1920s | 59 | |
| 1930s | 20 | |
| 1940s | 44 | |
| 1950s | 42 | |
| 1960s | 295 | |
| 1970s | 819 | |
| 1980s | 691 | |
| 1990s | 3,056 | |
| 2000s | 6,917 | |
| 2010s ★ | 7,570 | |
| 2020s | 927 | |
What are good nicknames for Tate?
What names sound and feel like Tate?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tate also consider these
Common questions about the name Tate
What does the name Tate mean?
Tate means "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 Tate?
Tate is currently ranked #197 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Tate have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Tate?
Tate 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 Tate?
Tate is a one-syllable name pronounced T EY1 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Tate sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Tate flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Tate ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.