Bates
A boy's name of Old English origin with 151 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A surname originating as a patronymic.
Bates is a boy's baby name of Old English origin, a surname meaning 'son of Bartholomew,' itself from the Hebrew Bartholmai meaning 'son of Talmai.' Its most famous fictional bearer is Norman Bates of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho — making it one of the more daring surname-name choices.
EtymologyShow more
Bates first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1919. Its appearance in the 1910s coincides with waves of immigration, cultural exchange, and the early decades of American popular culture — all of which introduced and popularized new names.
Its Old English classification suggests a path from old english linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Bates has 20+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1919.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 30 | #7780 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 67 | #9337 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 6 | #9372 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 5 | #4037 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 7 | #2982 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 30 | #3894 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 6 | #3774 | — |
The Story of Bates
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2014, Bates is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Bates are most likely born between 2004 and 2023.
How rare is Bates?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Bates is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1919, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 2010s with 67 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Bates by the numbers
- Would fill 3 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(20 years, 1919–2023)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 | #7800 |
| 2022 | 9 | #8395 |
| 2021 | 11 | #7144 |
| 2019 | 5 | #12375 |
| 2018 | 7 | #9793 |
| 2017 | 10 | #7628 |
| 2016 | 8 | #8933 |
| 2015 | 8 | #8842 |
| 2014 | 17 | #5272 |
| 2013 | 6 | #10893 |
| 2011 | 6 | #10962 |
| 2001 | 6 | #9372 |
| 1959 | 5 | #4037 |
| 1935 | 7 | #2982 |
| 1927 | 6 | #3811 |
| 1926 | 6 | #3742 |
| 1925 | 5 | #4256 |
| 1922 | 8 | #3277 |
| 1921 | 5 | #4384 |
| 1919 | 6 | #3774 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bates a boy's or girl's name?
When was Bates most popular?
How popular is the name Bates?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1919–2023