Slater

Pronunciation: [ sl-AYT-er ]

Boy Name #1,543 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Cool and capable — a name built from stone

American English Australian

Modern Strong Bold Earthy Vintage

Meaning & Origin

"one who works with slate"

Origin: Middle English (sclater/slater)

Language: English

"rock worker, craftsman"

Origin: English occupational surname

Language: English

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.

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

Famous People Named Slater

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.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

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

Slate #3330

Common Nicknames

Slate Slay

Pairs Well With

Slater James Slater Cole Slater Reid Slater Grant Slater Hayes Slater Wade

Sibling Names

Sawyer Easton Archer Wren Harper Scout

Also a Girl Name

Slater is also used as a girl name, ranked #25230.

View Slater as a girl name →

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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.

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.