"gatekeeper, one who lives by the gates"
Origin: Middle English
Language: English
Yates
Pronunciation: [ y-AYTS ]
Does Yates flow with your last name?
A crisp surname-name with medieval English roots
English
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The Story of Yates
Yates is a Middle English occupational surname from 'yates,' the plural of 'yat' or 'gate.' It originally described a family that lived near or worked as keepers of a town gate — an important role in medieval society. The surname spread throughout England and Ireland, and in the 21st century it joined the trend of distinguished surnames becoming first names.
Yates gained attention as a first name in the 2010s, riding the wave of surname-style names like Hayes, Rhodes, and Banks. Its one-syllable crispness and literary connection to W.B. Yeats (though spelled differently) make it a cultured choice for parents seeking something distinctive.
The name carries the literary shadow of William Butler Yeats (spelled differently), the Nobel Prize-winning Irish poet. While Yates and Yeats are distinct surnames, their phonetic similarity lends the name an unspoken artistic prestige in English-speaking culture.
Historical Record
Yates first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 271 babies have been named Yates in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Yates is past its peak , currently ranked #5,699 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Yates as a surname dates to at least the 13th century in England
- The similar surname Yeats was made famous by Irish poet W.B. Yeats, winner of the 1923 Nobel Prize in Literature
Yates in Other Languages
Irish
Yates
French
Yates
English
Yates
Popularity Over Time
#5,699
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1953
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Yates
A
Andrea Yates
Other
1964
American figure involved in a highly publicized 2001 legal case
D
David Yates
Other
1963
British film director known for directing four Harry Potter films and the Fantastic Beasts series
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Compare Yates with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #5,699
- Total SSA Count
- 16
- Cultural Origins
- English American Irish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Nicknames
Yat
Yay
Yaie
Yatkins
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Yates
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Yates
What does the name Yates mean?
"gatekeeper, one who lives by the gates" (from Middle English). Yates is a Middle English occupational surname from 'yates,' the plural of 'yat' or 'gate.' It originally described a family that lived near or worked as keepers of a town gate — an important role in medieval society. The surname spread throughout England and Ireland, and in the 21st century it joined the trend of distinguished surnames becoming first names.
What is the origin of the name Yates?
Yates has Middle English, English, American, and Irish origins. In Middle English, it means "gatekeeper, one who lives by the gates".
Is Yates a boy or girl name?
Yates is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Yates?
Yates is pronounced y-AYTS.
How popular is the name Yates?
Yates is currently ranked #5699 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Yates?
Common nicknames for Yates include Yat, Yay, Yaie, and Yatkins.
What are good middle names for Yates?
Popular middle name pairings include Yates James, Yates William, Yates Cole, Yates Thomas, Yates Henry, and Yates Oliver.
What are good sibling names for Yates?
Names that pair well with Yates as siblings include Rhodes, Sutton, Beckett, Piper, Greer, and Lennox.
How many syllables does Yates have?
Yates has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Yates a common or rare name?
Yates is an uncommon name, ranked #5699 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Yates
Yates is a boy name with English, American, and Irish origins . The name means "gatekeeper, one who lives by the gates" in Middle English .
Yates is currently ranked #5,699 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Yates has 1 syllable and is pronounced y-AYTS, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Yates include Yat, Yay, Yaie, and Yatkins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis