Bates
Meaningson of Bartholomew · English
- US rank
- #9,714
- Syllables
- 1
- Peak
- #2,951 in 1935
7 babies were named Bates in the US in 2025.
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US births per million boys, 1919–2025
Similar names
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
Did you know?
A few things about Bates you might not know, from US birth records. Handy for convincing a partner, or a grandparent.
- How commonAbout 1 in every 243,902 baby boys born in the US in 2025 was named Bates, 7 babies in all. In a typical school of 500 kids, your Bates would very likely be the only one.
- HistoryBates first shows up in US birth records in 1919, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 106 years since.
- Best yearIt was far more popular in 1935, when it ranked #2,951. Today it's #9,714, so it could be due a comeback.
- MeaningIn English, Bates means “son of Bartholomew”.
About the name Bates
Bates is a boy name of English origin meaning “son of Bartholomew”. It has 5 letters and 1 syllable, starting with B and ending in “-tes”. US birth records list Bates for boys from 1919 to 2025, in 21 of those 107 years. Its best year was 1935, when it ranked #2,951 among boy names. In 2025 it ranked #9,714, with 7 babies.
Origin:English names
| Decade | Babies per million | About 1 in |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 6.1 | 163,934 boys |
| 1920s | 2.7 | 369,004 boys |
| 1930s | 0.7 | 1,492,537 boys |
| 1950s | 0.2 | 4,347,826 boys |
| 2000s | 0.3 | 3,225,806 boys |
| 2010s | 3.6 | 279,330 boys |
| 2020s | 3.6 | 280,374 boys |
More English boy names
- Boy name: Oliver · olive tree
- Boy name: Henry · ruler of the home
- Unisex name: James · supplanter
- Boy name: William · resolute protector
- Boy name: Benjamin · son of the right hand
- Boy name: Jack · God is gracious
- Unisex name: Hudson · son of Hudde
- Unisex name: Julian · of the Julius family
Questions about the name Bates
What does the name Bates mean?
Bates means “son of Bartholomew” in English.
What is the origin of the name Bates?
Bates has English roots in our records. Other English names include Oliver, Henry, James.
Is Bates a boy or girl name?
Bates is a boy name.
How popular is the name Bates?
Bates ranked #9,714 for US boys in 2025, given to 7 babies. Its best year was 1935 (#2,951).