"one who works with slate"
Origin: Middle English (sclater/slater)
Language: English
Slater
Pronunciation: [ sl-AYT-er ]
Does Slater flow with your last name?
Cool and capable — a name built from stone
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English
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Earthy
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Nicknames
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2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"rock worker, craftsman"
Origin: English occupational surname
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Slang use of 'slater' as insult in Australian English — minor concern in Australia
The Story of Slater
Slater is an English occupational surname referring to a craftsman who works with slate — the metamorphic rock used for roofing, flooring, and writing surfaces for centuries. The occupation was vital in the construction of medieval England, particularly in Wales and the Lake District where slate was quarried. Like Cooper, Fletcher, and Mason, Slater has transitioned from trade surname to given name, part of a long tradition of occupational surnames becoming first names.
Slater gained attention as a given name partly through the popular Saved by the Bell character A.C. Slater (played by Mario Lopez) in the early 1990s. More broadly, the trend of using surname-style names as given names for boys (Sawyer, Hunter, Cooper, Mason) has made Slater feel current and appealing.
In American pop culture, Slater is most associated with the cool, athletic character A.C. Slater from Saved by the Bell. The name has a rugged, capable energy that resonates with parents who favor occupational names.
Historical Record
Slater first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 2,160 babies have been named Slater in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Slater is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,543 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Slate roofing can last over 150 years, making slate slaters among the most long-lasting craftsmen in construction history
- A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez) from Saved by the Bell (1989-1993) is one of television's most memorable 'cool jock' characters
- The Welsh slate industry was so dominant in the 19th century that North Wales produced 90% of the world's roofing slate
Slater in Other Languages
Welsh
Llechen (slate)
French
Ardoisier (slate worker)
German
Schieferdecker
Spanish
Pizarrero
Popularity Over Time
#1,543
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Slater
K
Kelly Slater
Athlete
1972
American professional surfer, 11-time World Surf League champion — though his first name is Kelly, 'Slater' has become a...
American professional surfer, 11-time World Surf League champion — though his first name is Kelly, 'Slater' has become an iconic sporting name
A
A.C. Slater Fictional
Entertainer
Fictional character from the TV series Saved by the Bell (1989-1993), portrayed by Mario Lopez — the school's popular at...
Fictional character from the TV series Saved by the Bell (1989-1993), portrayed by Mario Lopez — the school's popular athlete
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Compare Slater with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,543
- Total SSA Count
- 114
- Cultural Origins
- American English Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Slate
Slay
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Slater
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Slater is also used as a girl name, ranked #25230.
View Slater as a girl name →Similar Names
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Hawaiian origin
"Hawaiian form of Matthew"
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"elder, one of authority"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Slater
What does the name Slater mean?
"one who works with slate" (from Middle English (sclater/slater)). "rock worker, craftsman" (from English occupational surname). Slater is an English occupational surname referring to a craftsman who works with slate — the metamorphic rock used for roofing, flooring, and writing surfaces for centuries. The occupation was vital in the construction of medieval England, particularly in Wales and the Lake District where slate was quarried. Like Cooper, Fletcher, and Mason, Slater has transitioned from trade surname to given name, part of a long tradition of occupational surnames becoming first names.
What is the origin of the name Slater?
Slater has Middle English (sclater/slater), English occupational surname, American, English, and Australian origins. In Middle English (sclater/slater), it means "one who works with slate". In English occupational surname, it means "rock worker, craftsman".
Is Slater a boy or girl name?
Slater is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1543. As a girl name, it is ranked #25230. Slater is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Slater?
Slater is pronounced sl-AYT-er.
How popular is the name Slater?
Slater is currently ranked #1543 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Slater?
Common nicknames for Slater include Slate and Slay.
What are good middle names for Slater?
Popular middle name pairings include Slater James, Slater Cole, Slater Reid, Slater Grant, Slater Hayes, and Slater Wade.
What are good sibling names for Slater?
Names that pair well with Slater as siblings include Sawyer, Easton, Archer, Wren, Harper, and Scout.
How many syllables does Slater have?
Slater has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Slater a common or rare name?
Slater is an uncommon name, ranked #1543 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Slater?
Are there other spellings for Slater?
Related spellings include Slate.
About the Name Slater
Slater is a boy name with American, English, and Australian origins . The name means "one who works with slate" in Middle English (sclater/slater) .
Is Slater a boy or girl name? Slater is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,543 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #25,230. Slater is more commonly used as a boy name.
Slater is currently ranked #1,543 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Slater has 2 syllables and is pronounced sl-AYT-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Slater include Slate and Slay. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Slater include Slate . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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