Tate is a gender-neutral name of American origin, derived from the Native American tribe called "Tatanka." The Tatanka people were known for their strength and resilience, which are qualities that have become associated with the name Tate over time.
The meaning of Tate is often interpreted as "thunder" or "lightning," drawing from the powerful forces of nature. This interpretation reflects the idea of power and vitality, which can be seen as fitting for a person named Tate regardless of their gender.
Historically, Tate has been used as a given name in various parts of the world, but it gained significant popularity in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century. Today, Tate is often used as a unisex name, with some parents choosing it for its unique sound and American roots.
In literature and popular culture, there have been several notable characters named Tate, such as Tate Callahan from the television series "One Tree Hill" and Tate Langdon from the horror series "American Horror Story." These portrayals have helped to solidify Tate's place in modern pop culture and may contribute to its ongoing popularity among parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
The name Tate has seen a significant rise in popularity over the years, with a substantial increase starting around the mid-90s and reaching a peak in recent years. Between 1992 and 2023, there were over 23,000 births recorded for the name Tate, with the highest numbers occurring in 2022 (1845 births) and 2023 (1488 births). Before this surge, the name had a consistent but lower popularity, fluctuating between 5 to 30 births per year from 1960 onwards. The name Tate appears to have gained considerable traction in recent decades, becoming one of the more popular names in current times.