OATES
Oates
The surname Oates is of Old English origin, derived from the personal name 'Ode,' which itself comes from the word 'Odda,' meaning prosperity. The name Oates is classified as a patronymic surname, indicating 'son of Ode.'
The Oates surname has ancient roots in Britain and is believed to have evolved from distinct regional sources. The name is prevalent throughout the United Kingdom, with notable concentrations in regions like Yorkshire and Lancashire.
One of the most famous bearers of the Oates surname is Captain Lawrence Oates. Captain Oates was a member of Robert Falcon Scott's ill-fated Antarctic expedition in 1912. He is remembered for his self-sacrificing act to save his comrades by walking into a blizzard to meet his death, famously saying, "I am just going outside, and I may be some time."
The Oates surname has evolved over the centuries and can now be found across the globe, particularly in countries with historical ties to Britain such as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
The Oates surname continues to be a part of British heritage, contributing to the rich tapestry of names and histories that form the cultural landscape of the United Kingdom.
There are approximately 7,487 people named Oates in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,253rd most common surname in Britain. Around 115 in a million people in Britain are named Oates.
Surname type: From name of parent
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Jonathan
- Michael
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jennifer
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan