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Bates Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Bates Surname

The surname Bates is of English origin, stemming from the name Bartholomew. In some contexts, it may also derive from the Old English word "Bat," meaning "Boat," thus indicating an occupation related to boating. Additionally, Bates could describe someone residing near a "lush pasture," illustrating its versatile etymological roots in family history.

The Bates surname historically had a significant presence in specific regions of England, particularly during the 19th century. At the time of the British Census of the late 19th century, Bates was notably prevalent in Buckinghamshire, measured at 5.2 times the British average. Its distribution also extended across Leicestershire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and several other counties, reflecting its cultural and geographical spread.

YourRoots data enriches this historical backdrop by confirming the endurance and continuity of the Bates surname in these regions from medieval times onward. The dataset supports the notion of Bates as both an occupational and locational surname, aligning with its historical roots and geographical prominence in England.

For those exploring Bates genealogy, Bates records provide invaluable insights into the surname's evolution and spread. The integration of YourRoots data with historical census records offers a rich foundation for tracing the Bates family tree, aiding researchers in uncovering connections and continuities across generations.

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Currently, YourRoots Map does not yet have enough verified historical and migration data to provide a detailed analysis of the Bates surname. However, we’re continuously expanding our global database using family trees, historical records, and DNA-based connections contributed by our growing community of researchers.

As more data becomes available, this page will be updated to include an in-depth look at the [SURNAME] family’s regional origins, early historical records, and migration patterns across centuries.

Famous People with Bates (and Their Family Tree)

Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates, born Kathleen Doyle Bates on June 28, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee, is a renowned American actress celebrated for her dynamic stage and screen performances. Her illustrious career spans over five decades, with accolades including an Academy Award for Best Actress for "Misery" (1990) and multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. Bates is known for roles in films like "Fried Green Tomatoes," "Titanic," and "Richard Jewell," and for her Emmy-winning performances in "Two and a Half Men" and "American Horror Story: Coven." She is also a spokesperson for lymphedema awareness following her personal health challenges.

Bates is the youngest of three daughters of Langdon Doyle Bates, a mechanical engineer, and Bertye Kathleen (née Talbert), a homemaker. Her paternal grandfather, Finis L. Bates, was a lawyer and author, and her great-great-grandfather was an Irish immigrant who served as President Andrew Jackson's doctor.

Emoni Bates

Emoni James-Wayne Bates, born January 28, 2004, is an American professional basketball player currently on a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Charge of the NBA G League. Bates made a name for himself as a top recruit in high school at Lincoln High School and later transferred to Ypsi Prep Academy. He played college basketball for the Memphis Tigers and Eastern Michigan Eagles. Bates was highly recognized during his high school career, winning the Gatorade National Player of the Year boys' award as a sophomore and was described as potentially the best high school prospect since LeBron James. Drafted 49th in the 2023 NBA draft, Bates continues to rise in professional basketball.

Bates' early life in Ypsilanti, Michigan was marked by basketball training sessions with his father, a former professional player. His father also established Ypsi Prep Academy, where Bates played during his junior year. Bates' athletic lineage and supportive family environment were instrumental in his development as a standout basketball player from a young age.

Norman Bates

Norman Bates is a fictional character created by Robert Bloch in his 1959 horror novel "Psycho," later famously portrayed by Anthony Perkins in Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 film adaptation. Bates is known for his split personality, with the "Mother" persona embodying his deceased mother's abusive traits. This character has appeared in various adaptations, including the "Psycho" franchise and the series "Bates Motel." Bates' story is often linked to real-life murderer Ed Gein, reflecting themes of hidden monstrosity within small-town life.

Norman Bates' family context is defined by his abusive relationship with his mother, Norma. Following his father's death, Norman lived reclusively with Norma until he ultimately murdered her and her lover out of jealousy, leading to his psychological downfall.

Evan Bates

Evan Bates, born February 23, 1989, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is an acclaimed American ice dancer. With his wife and skating partner, Madison Chock, Bates is a 2022 Olympic gold medalist in the team event and a three-time World champion (2023, 2024, 2025). The duo has also clinched two Grand Prix Final titles (2023–24, 2024–25) and three Four Continents championships (2019, 2020, 2023). A consistent force in competitive ice dancing, Bates boasts a record of 20 ISU Grand Prix medals and six U.S. national championships. Previously, with former partner Emily Samuelson, Bates earned the 2009 Four Continents bronze and 2008 World Junior championship titles.

Alan Bates

Sir Alan Arthur Bates was a renowned English actor, celebrated for his versatile performances in both film and theater. Rising to fame in the 1960s, Bates starred in iconic films such as "Whistle Down the Wind" and "A Kind of Loving." His role in "The Fixer" earned him an Academy Award nomination, while his collaboration with Anthony Quinn in "Zorba the Greek" remains memorable. Bates's stage success was highlighted by his West End debut in "Look Back in Anger" and his participation in the Stratford Festival. He also left a significant mark on television, starring in acclaimed dramas like "The Mayor of Casterbridge" and "A Voyage Round My Father."

Born on 17 February 1934 in Derby, England, Alan Bates was the eldest of three sons to Florence Mary (née Wheatcroft) and Harold Arthur Bates. His parents, both amateur musicians, nurtured his artistic inclinations, leading him to pursue acting instead of music. Bates was educated at Herbert Strutt Grammar School and later attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. His family background, with influences from a housewife pianist mother and an insurance broker cellist father, played a crucial role in shaping his early life and career path.

Bates Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Bates" is of English origin and is primarily derived from the name Bartholomew. It may also originate from the Old English word "Bat," meaning "boat," indicating a boatman by profession, or it could describe someone living near a "lush pasture." The name was notably more common in certain English counties during the 19th century.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Bates

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Bates family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Bates surname to learn more.

Bates Family Genealogy & History

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Tracing Your Bates Family Lineage