name
Uncommon
Bates
bayts
Bates (name) means an English surname, a patronymic form derived from the given name Bartholomew. Example: “Norman Bates is the antagonist of the film Psycho.”
name
1
An English surname, a patronymic form derived from the given name Bartholomew.
"Norman Bates is the antagonist of the film Psycho."
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Etymology
A patronymic surname that is derived from Batte, a medieval form of the male given name Bartholomew + -s (denoting "son of") hence meaning "son of Bartholomew".
Rhymes for Bates
See all rhymes for Bates →Frequently asked questions
What does “Bates” mean?
The word “Bates” means an English surname, a patronymic form derived from the given name Bartholomew.
How do you pronounce “Bates”?
“Bates” is pronounced bayts (/beɪts/ in IPA).
How do you use “Bates” in a sentence?
Here is “Bates” used in a sentence: “Norman Bates is the antagonist of the film Psycho.”
What part of speech is “Bates”?
“Bates” is a name.
Is “Bates” a common word?
“Bates” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the origin of the surname Bates?
Bates is an English surname formed as a patronymic, meaning it derives from the given name Bartholomew, likely via a shortened pet form plus the possessive "-s." This pattern of forming surnames from a father's first name was common in medieval England.
Is Bates related to the name Bartholomew?
Yes, Bates developed historically as a patronymic surname from Bartholomew, indicating "son of" a shortened form of that name. It's a good example of how English surnames often trace back to pet forms of first names.
What does the "-s" ending in Bates indicate?
The "-s" ending in Bates functions as a possessive, historically marking "son of," which is how many English patronymic surnames were formed from a father's given name. The same pattern appears in other surnames like Williams or Roberts.
