What does Yates mean and where does it come from?
Yates originates as an English surname derived from a familial name or geographic location, indicating proximity to a notable gate or entrance. It has been used as a first name more recently, particularly in the United States, as a part of a trend toward surname-adoption in naming conventions. Notab
Cultural significance
Yates has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #2114 in 1923 — currently #8887 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Yates?
Yates works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Yates Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Yates Rose
Floral · soft ending
Yates Mae
Sweet · timeless
Yates Claire
French influence · crisp
Yates Jane
Literary · strong
Yates Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Yates right now?
Falling — down 1147 spots — currently #8887 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8887 | 9 | ▼ down 1147 · -18% births |
| 2022 | #7740 | 11 | ▲ up 1060 · +22% births |
| 2021 | #8800 | 9 | ▼ down 2825 · -36% births |
| 2020 | #5975 | 14 | ▲ up 2840 · +75% births |
| 2015 | #8815 | 8 | ▼ down 1192 · -20% births |
| 2010 | #7623 | 10 | ▲ up 763 · +25% births |
| 2005 | #8386 | 8 | ▲ up 2092 · +60% births |
| 2000 | #10478 | 5 | ▼ down 5526 · -17% births |
| 1975 | #4952 | 6 | ▼ down 698 · +20% births |
| 1960 | #4254 | 5 | ▼ down 353 |
| 1950 | #3901 | 5 | ▼ down 1011 · -37% births |
| 1935 | #2890 | 8 | ▲ up 1339 · +60% births |
| 1930 | #4229 | 5 | ▲ up 232 |
| 1925 | #4461 | 5 | ▼ down 2141 · -64% births |
| 1920 | #2320 | 14 | — |
The story of Yates
Yates entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 458 total births recorded, Yates remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3281 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8887 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Yates in 1923:
Yates by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 54 | |
| 1920s | 77 | |
| 1930s | 65 | |
| 1940s | 36 | |
| 1950s | 17 | |
| 1960s | 10 | |
| 1970s | 11 | |
| 1980s | 20 | |
| 1990s | 7 | |
| 2000s | 45 | |
| 2010s ★ | 102 | |
| 2020s | 14 | |
💎Yates has only 458 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Yates?
What names sound and feel like Yates?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Yates also consider these
Common questions about the name Yates
What does the name Yates mean?
Yates means "English" — a name rooted in United Kingdom 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 Yates?
Yates is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Yates?
Yates originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom 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 Yates?
Yates is a one-syllable name pronounced Y 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 Yates sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Yates flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Yates ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.