US Popularity Rank: 16310

Origin: Aramaic

Meaning: Son of Bartholomew; Boat

Although a common last name in the UK and Ireland, Bates is just finding its footing as a masculine first name. Originating in England, some possible meanings attached to baby's cute name are worth exploring. Bates is derived from the Aramaic name Bartholomew, thus giving it a possible meaning of the "son of Bartholomew." Another interesting theory is the Old English word bat, meaning "boat," which could be used to describe a person who worked as a boatman. American audiences may also cherish the name Bates, naming their little one after Katharine Lee Bates, the woman who penned "America the Beautiful."