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Origins of the Yates surname

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What does the name Yates mean?

An Anglo-Saxon name that mostly stems from the topographic description of being at or near a 'geat' (Middle English term for gate, where the letter G was pronounced with a Y sound), potentially that of a walled town or city. It can also originate as an occupational name given to a gatekeeper. Monosyllabic local names often affix the letter s as a patronymic or plural form, and Yates is thought to have derived from this addition.

Alternative variations of the name Yates

Yates, Yate, Yeates, Yeats, Yetts

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Where do most Yateses live?

In 1921, most Yateses lived in London.


Census records trace your ancestors through each generation, so you can follow where your relatives lived through each decade.

Interesting facts about Yateses

How common is your surname?

187th most common surname in the UK

We have 209,000 records for the Yates surname. The oldest one dates back to 1532.

Who were Yateses most likely to marry?

Our Marriage record sets tell us which families married Yateses.

What are the most common Yates first names?

  • John
  • William
  • Mary
  • Elizabeth

Our birth record sets tell us the names of Yates family members

Common jobs for Yateses

Men and women often performed different types of jobs, so these are displayed by gender to maintain their historical accuracy.

Common Female occupations for Yateses in 1921
Cotton Weaver

2,242

Dressmaker

585

Weaver Cotton

453

Cotton Winder

451

Weaver

449

Common Male occupations for Yateses in 1921
Coal Miner

1,615

Cotton Weaver

864

General Labourer

781

Agricultural Labourer

555

Coal Miner Hewer

538

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We found over 170,000 family trees with the Yates surname

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