Find out how popular the first name Slater has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Slater by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Slater is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Slater being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 111 male babies and 14 female babies born with the name Slater.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 14 baby girls were named Slater in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Slater

The given name Slater has its origins in the Old English language, stemming from the word "slat," which referred to a thin wooden strip or roof shingle. The name likely emerged during the Middle Ages in England, where it initially denoted an occupation or trade related to the production or installation of roof slates or shingles.

In its earliest form, the name was likely spelled as "Slatter" or "Slater," reflecting the linguistic evolution of the English language over time. The name's occupational roots suggest that it may have been adopted by individuals who worked as roofers, tilers, or in related trades involving the use of slates or shingles.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Slater can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholdings and population records compiled in 1086 under the orders of William the Conqueror. This historical document mentions individuals bearing the surname "Slater" in various parts of England.

Throughout history, the name Slater has been borne by several notable individuals, including John Slater (1776-1837), an English writer and poet. Another prominent figure was Samuel Slater (1768-1835), known as the "Father of the American Industrial Revolution" for his role in establishing the first successful cotton mill in the United States.

In the realm of science, John Clarke Slater (1900-1976) was a renowned American physicist and chemist who made significant contributions to the field of quantum mechanics. James Slater (1717-1805), an English engraver and writer, is also worth mentioning for his work on the first illustrated edition of Laurence Sterne's novel "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman."

Additionally, the name Slater has been associated with the arts, as evidenced by the American actor Christian Slater (born 1969), known for his roles in films such as "Heathers" and "True Romance."

While the name Slater may have originated as an occupational title, it has evolved over time to become a given name in its own right, transcending its initial vocational associations and gaining a broader cultural significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Slater was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Slater, please contact us.

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