Oates Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Oates come from? What does the surname Oates mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Oates and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Oates Origin: What does the last name Oates mean?
The surname Oates originated in England around the early 19th century and has remained closely associated with England and the United States. The name has spread globally over the centuries, with records of Oates family members found in countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, indicating a widespread presence.
YourRoots data confirms the significant presence of the Oates surname in England and the United States by the 20th century. Additionally, the surname remains prominent in countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, and Germany. The Oates surname reflects a rich history and global spread, showcasing its enduring legacy across various regions and cultures.
Oates Last Name History: Where did the last name Oates come from?
Origin of Oates Surname: Where does the last name Oates originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Oates first appeared in records from England around the early 19th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Oates spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Oates: What does the Oates surname history look like in the early days?
The Oates surname remained closely associated with England and the United States from the 19th century. YourRoots data also shows Oates family records in countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Oates surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Oates surname grew significantly in England and the United States. The Oates surname remains prominent in countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. It appears in many countries, including Ireland, Scotland, and Germany.
Explore Oates last name heritage and Oates surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Oates Surame?
John Oates
John William Oates (April 7, 1948 - ) is an American musician best known as half of the rock and soul duo Hall & Oates with Daryl Hall. He co-wrote many of their hits like "Sara Smile", "Maneater", and "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)". Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, Oates continues to make music, releasing solo albums like "Arkansas" in 2018 and collaborating on various projects. His memoir "Change of Seasons" gives insight into his successful music career and personal life.
Joyce Carol Oates
Joyce Carol Oates (born June 16, 1938) is an American writer known for her prolific output of novels, plays, short stories, poetry, and nonfiction. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the National Book Award, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize multiple times. Oates has taught at prestigious universities like Princeton and Rutgers and continues to inspire aspiring writers with her impactful storytelling. Her dark and intense narratives often delve into themes of violence, family dynamics, and the human experience, making her a prominent figure in the literary world.
Warren Oates
Warren Mercer Oates (July 5, 1928 – April 3, 1982) was an American actor known for his roles in classic films like The Wild Bunch (1969) and In the Heat of the Night (1967). He starred in cult favorites such as Two-Lane Blacktop (1971) and Race with the Devil (1975). Oates also portrayed John Dillinger in Dillinger (1973) and Sergeant Hulka in Stripes (1981). With a career spanning from television Westerns to iconic movies, Oates left a lasting legacy in Hollywood. Born in Kentucky, he honed his craft on stage and screen, captivating audiences with his versatile performances until his untimely death.
Lawrence Oates
Lawrence Edward Grace "Titus" Oates (Mar 17, 1880 – Mar 17, 1912) was a British army officer and Antarctic explorer known for his self-sacrifice during the Terra Nova Expedition. He walked into a blizzard to save his companions from the burden of caring for him, choosing certain death on his 32nd birthday. Oates served in the Second Boer War, where he was recommended for the Victoria Cross, and later joined Robert Falcon Scott's ill-fated journey to the South Pole. Despite initial clashes with Scott, Oates was selected for the final push. His brave actions and sacrifice have been remembered through history.
Titus Oates
Titus Oates (15 Sep 1649 – 12/13 Jul 1705) was an English priest known for fabricating the "Popish Plot", a false Catholic conspiracy to assassinate King Charles II. Oates falsely accused numerous individuals, including Jesuits and Catholic nobles, leading to trials and convictions. Despite his dubious reputation, Oates's confident demeanor and memory played a significant role in the events. He had a controversial life, involving accusations of perjury, buggery, and multiple escapes from arrest. Oates's actions were eventually exposed, leading to his downfall and a tarnished legacy in English history.
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