Find out how popular the first name Tate has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tate by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Tate is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 95% of people named Tate being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,845 male babies and 76 female babies born with the name Tate.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 76 baby girls were named Tate in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Tate

The name Tate has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the word "tæt," which means "cheerful" or "happy." It was a common name among the Anglo-Saxons, particularly in the regions of modern-day England, during the early medieval period.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a collection of annals narrating the history of the Anglo-Saxons. The chronicle mentions a nobleman named Tate who lived in the 9th century and played a role in the struggles between the kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex.

In the realm of literature, the name Tate appears in the Old English epic poem "Beowulf," which dates back to around the 8th or 9th century. In the poem, Tate is mentioned as a warrior who accompanied the legendary hero Beowulf on his adventures.

During the Middle Ages, the name Tate gained popularity among the nobility and gentry of England. One notable historical figure bearing this name was Tate the Younger, a 12th-century monk and chronicler from the monastery of Bury St. Edmunds. His chronicles provide valuable insights into the social and political landscape of medieval England.

In the 16th century, Tate Loundez (c. 1556-1612) was a prominent English merchant and explorer who sailed to the West Indies and established trade relationships with the indigenous populations. He is known for his detailed accounts of the Caribbean islands and their inhabitants.

Another individual of note was Tate Wilkinson (1737-1808), an English actor, theatre manager, and theatrical publisher. He played a significant role in the development of regional theatre in England, establishing several theatres across the country.

Moving into the modern era, Tate Dugan (1888-1961) was an American labor leader and politician who served as the Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1937. He was instrumental in implementing several labor reforms during the New Deal era.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who bore the name Tate throughout history, showcasing its enduring presence across various periods and contexts.

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 Tate was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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