Yates is an English surname and given name of Old French origin, meaning "archer" or "bowman". It was originally an occupational name for a maker of bows or arrows. The name was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066. In some cases, Yates can also be derived from the English word "gate", referring to someone who lived near a gate.
The surname Yates is quite common in England and Scotland, with many notable figures throughout history bearing this name. For instance, Charles Yates was a British naval officer who served during the American Revolutionary War, while Richard Yates Jr. was an American soldier and politician, serving as the 24th Governor of Illinois from 1860 to 1861.
As a given name, Yates has been used since the mid-20th century, but it remains relatively uncommon. It is often chosen for its distinctive sound and strong, masculine appeal. Some famous bearers of the name include Yates McKee, an American artist known for his work in video and new media, and Yates Vyner, a British actor who appeared in several films during the 1960s.
In literature, Yates is also the surname of the main character in Iris Murdoch's novel "The Book and the Brotherhood". The name has been used in other works of fiction as well, such as in "The Yardbird" by George Pelecanos, where the protagonist is named Dwight 'Yates' Crocker.
Overall, Yates is a unique and interesting name with a rich history and several notable bearers. Whether used as a first or last name, it has a strong and distinctive sound that makes it stand out from more common choices.
Over the course of nearly a century (1914-2023), the name Yates has seen varied popularity in terms of newborns. The years with the highest number of births were 2016 and 2022, each with 16 births. Conversely, there are several years where only five births occurred. Interestingly, the total number of births is quite evenly distributed across decades, with a noticeable increase starting from the 2010s onwards. Overall, it seems that while Yates has maintained a steady presence among baby names, its popularity has fluctuated over time.