NameCensus.

UK surname

Pates

A surname derived from the French word "pate" meaning a maker or seller of dough-based goods.

In the 1881 census there were 416 people recorded with the Pates surname, ranking it #7,749 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 510, ranked #9,846, down from #7,749 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Churcham, Sandhurst, St Mary-de-Lode, St Catherine Longford, Barnwood, Wootton Ville, North Hamlet,, Biggleswade and Charlton Kings. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Central Bedfordshire, Ashfield and Tewkesbury.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Pates is 593 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 22.6%.

1881 census count

416

Ranked #7,749

Modern count

510

2016, ranked #9,846

Peak year

1911

593 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Pates had 416 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #7,749 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 510 in 2016, ranked #9,846.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 593 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Communities.

Pates surname distribution map

The map shows where the Pates surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Pates surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Pates over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 256 #8,629
1861 historical 266 #9,318
1881 historical 416 #7,749
1891 historical 455 #8,009
1901 historical 498 #8,081
1911 historical 593 #6,904
1997 modern 486 #9,500
1998 modern 497 #9,638
1999 modern 499 #9,674
2000 modern 502 #9,605
2001 modern 481 #9,743
2002 modern 511 #9,484
2003 modern 497 #9,526
2004 modern 480 #9,793
2005 modern 451 #10,197
2006 modern 437 #10,487
2007 modern 452 #10,298
2008 modern 462 #10,223
2009 modern 484 #10,101
2010 modern 507 #9,947
2011 modern 511 #9,792
2012 modern 496 #9,921
2013 modern 519 #9,748
2014 modern 521 #9,788
2015 modern 510 #9,875
2016 modern 510 #9,846

Geography

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Where Pates' are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Churcham, Sandhurst, St Mary-de-Lode, St Catherine Longford, Barnwood, Wootton Ville, North Hamlet,, Biggleswade, Charlton Kings, Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard and Twining. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Central Bedfordshire, Ashfield, Tewkesbury, Cornwall and Nottingham. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Churcham, Sandhurst, St Mary-de-Lode, St Catherine Longford, Barnwood, Wootton Ville, North Hamlet, Gloucestershire
2 Biggleswade Bedfordshire
3 Charlton Kings Gloucestershire
4 Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard Nottinghamshire
5 Twining Gloucestershire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Central Bedfordshire 005 Central Bedfordshire
2 Ashfield 014 Ashfield
3 Tewkesbury 002 Tewkesbury
4 Cornwall 001 Cornwall
5 Nottingham 012 Nottingham

Forenames

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First names often paired with Pates

These lists show first names that appear often with the Pates surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Pates

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Pates, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Baseline UK

Group

Challenged Communities

Nationally, the Pates surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Challenged Communities, within Baseline UK. This does not mean every Pates household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

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Group profile

Residents of these neighbourhoods typically live in households with dependent children, and there are fewer-than-average residents of normal retirement age or over. Identification with ethnic minorities, particularly Black, or Mixed or Multiple ethnicities is common. The rate of Christian religious affiliation is low. Housing predominantly consists of semi-detached houses, along with a significant number of terraced properties and flats. Overcrowded social housing is common, and private renting occurs at average UK levels. Those in employment work mainly in caring leisure and other services; process, plant and machine operation; or elementary occupations. Unemployment is high, and few individuals have degree level qualifications. Many of these neighbourhoods occur in commuter towns or less accessible areas of larger towns and cities.

Wider pattern

This Supergroup exemplifies the broad base to the UK’s social structure, encompassing as it does the average or modal levels of many neighbourhood characteristics, including all housing tenures, a range of levels of educational attainment and religious affiliations, and a variety of pre-retirement age structures. Yet, in combination, these mixes are each distinctive of the parts of the UK. Overall, terraced houses and flats are the most prevalent, as is employment in intermediate or low-skilled occupations. However, this Supergroup is also characterised by above average levels of unemployment and lower levels of use of English as the main language. Many neighbourhoods occur in south London and the UK’s other major urban centres.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Pates is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Pates is most concentrated in decile 8 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

8
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Pates falls in decile 5 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Pates is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 60-70 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

9
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Pates, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Pates

The surname PATES is of English origin and dates back to the medieval period. It is derived from the Old English word "pæth," meaning a path or road. This suggests that the name may have been originally given to someone who lived near a well-traveled path or roadway.

The earliest recorded instances of the PATES surname can be found in various historical documents from the 13th century, such as tax records and parish registers. One notable example is the Hundred Rolls of 1273, which mentions a John atte Pathe residing in Oxfordshire.

During the 14th century, the name underwent slight variations in spelling, appearing as Pathe, Pattes, and Pathes in various records. This was a common occurrence as spelling conventions were not standardized at the time.

The PATES name can also be linked to several place names in England, such as Pathe's Farm in Berkshire and Pathe's Meadow in Gloucestershire. These locations may have been named after early bearers of the PATES surname or vice versa.

One notable figure bearing the PATES surname was Sir William Pates, a wealthy merchant and landowner who lived in the late 15th century. He was born in Gloucestershire in 1452 and was known for his involvement in local politics and his philanthropic efforts.

Another prominent individual with this surname was John Pates, a renowned scholar and theologian from the 16th century. Born in Northamptonshire in 1510, he was educated at Oxford University and went on to become a respected author and lecturer on religious matters.

In the 17th century, the PATES name gained further recognition with the birth of Richard Pates (1615-1685), a prominent Puritan minister and author who played a significant role in the English Civil War and the Commonwealth period.

Moving into the 18th century, we find Elizabeth Pates (1728-1803), a notable poet and writer from Warwickshire. Her works were published and widely read during her lifetime, showcasing the literary talents of those bearing the PATES surname.

Finally, in the 19th century, we have Sir John Pates (1810-1892), a distinguished military officer who served in the British Army during the Crimean War and the Indian Rebellion. He was awarded various honors and medals for his bravery and leadership on the battlefield.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have carried the PATES surname, highlighting its enduring presence and the diverse accomplishments of those who bear this name.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Pates families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Pates surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Gloucestershire leads with 116 Pates' recorded in 1881 and an index of 14.51x.

County Total Index
Gloucestershire 116 14.51x
Bedfordshire 62 29.37x
Middlesex 50 1.23x
Surrey 41 2.06x
Hertfordshire 28 9.96x
Nottinghamshire 19 3.46x
Hampshire 17 2.03x
Worcestershire 16 3.00x
Yorkshire 9 0.22x
Shropshire 8 2.27x
Cheshire 7 0.78x
Dorset 7 2.62x
Essex 6 0.75x
Lincolnshire 6 0.92x
Staffordshire 6 0.44x
Sussex 6 0.87x
Berkshire 3 0.98x
Wiltshire 3 0.83x
Glamorgan 2 0.28x
Oxfordshire 2 0.79x
Kent 1 0.07x
Lancashire 1 0.02x
Northamptonshire 1 0.26x
Rutland 1 3.34x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Cheltenham in Gloucestershire leads with 31 Pates' recorded in 1881 and an index of 50.24x.

Place Total Index
Cheltenham 31 50.24x
Biggleswade 28 405.21x
Luton 28 76.61x
Twining 22 1833.33x
Stroud 19 122.11x
Streatham 13 42.98x
Charlton Kings 12 217.00x
Yarmouth 10 909.09x
Barnoldswick 9 159.57x
Kensington London 9 3.97x
Arnold 8 99.75x
Bestwood Park 8 824.74x
Gloucester Barton St Mary 8 54.68x
Hitchin 8 63.04x
South Hamlet 8 161.62x
Willey 8 3333.33x
Alverstoke 7 23.14x
Chelsea London 7 5.70x
Melcombe Regis 7 63.12x
Barking 6 25.48x
Bilston 6 22.50x
Bredon 6 329.67x
Ealing 6 16.47x
Holbeach 6 82.64x
Newington 6 3.98x
Northill 6 304.57x
Offley 6 327.87x
St Ippollitts 6 425.53x
Clerkenwell London 5 5.20x
Higher Bebington 5 86.81x
Leckhampton 5 101.42x
Lilley 5 704.23x
Sutton 5 34.79x
Brockworth 4 645.16x
Camberwell 4 1.54x
Cradley 4 82.99x
Lambeth 4 1.13x
Littlehampton 4 72.86x
Mile End Old Town 4 6.22x
Islington London 3 0.76x
Shoreditch London 3 1.70x
Snenton 3 13.90x
St Marylebone London 3 1.38x
Tewkesbury 3 42.02x
Tooting Graveney 3 54.25x
Tottenham 3 4.62x
Wantage 3 61.48x
Cardiff St Mary 2 5.11x
Damerham 2 232.56x
Mathon 2 128.21x
Paddington London 2 1.33x
Southwark St George Martyr 2 2.44x
Worcester St Alban 2 571.43x
Areley Kings 1 106.38x
Ayott St Peter 1 322.58x
Banstead 1 18.59x
Bickerton 1 217.39x
Burford 1 45.87x
Cobham 1 30.67x
Codicote 1 59.52x
Easton 1 222.22x
Eltham 1 12.27x
Ewell 1 23.87x
Friern Barnet 1 11.14x
Headington 1 25.58x
Hexton 1 357.14x
Morden 1 101.01x
Painswick 1 17.67x
Plumpton 1 153.85x
Rodborough 1 25.91x
Rye 1 15.31x
Salford 1 0.70x
Sevenhampton 1 140.85x
St Clement Danes 1 15.15x
St Pancras London 1 0.30x
St Stephen Coleman 1 91.74x
Tinwell 1 322.58x
Tranmere 1 3.02x
Wellingborough 1 5.19x
Westminster St 1 6.65x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Pates surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 23
Sarah 21
Eliza 16
Emily 13
Ellen 11
Emma 9
Annie 7
Elizabeth 7
Jane 7
Alice 6
Florence 6
Maria 6
Ann 5
Catherine 5
Kate 5
Clara 4
Susan 4
Ada 3
Anne 3
Bertha 3
Lucy 3
Martha 3
Adelaide 2
Caroline 2
Charlotte 2
Edith 2
Lizzie 2
Louisa 2
Marie 2
Matilda 2
Minnie 2
Rosa 2
Sophia 2
Bessie 1
Clarisa 1
Elizbth. 1
Elizh. 1
Emmily 1
F. 1
Fanny 1
Flora 1
Hanah 1
Lea 1
Letty 1
Lilian 1
Lilley 1
Louis 1
Lucey 1
Mabel 1
Wilehelmina 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Pates surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
William 34
George 16
Charles 15
John 14
Henry 12
James 11
Thomas 11
Frederick 10
Samuel 7
Joseph 5
Alfred 4
Harry 4
Edward 3
Fred 3
Herbert 3
Francis 2
Frank 2
Fredrick 2
Richard 2
Ruben 2
Walter 2
Ada 1
Albert 1
Andrew 1
Arther 1
Arthur 1
Bedford 1
Benjamin 1
Chales 1
Charley 1
David 1
Earnest 1
Edmund 1
Edwd. 1
Edwin 1
F.W. 1
Fred. 1
Fredk.W. 1
Geo.Edwd. 1
Horace 1
Jn. 1
Jno. 1
Leonard 1
Reubin 1
Robert 1
Valentine 1
Wm.Hnry. 1

FAQ

Pates surname: questions and answers

How common was the Pates surname in 1881?

In 1881, 416 people were recorded with the Pates surname. That placed it at #7,749 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Pates surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 510 in 2016. That gives Pates a modern rank of #9,846.

What does the Pates surname mean?

A surname derived from the French word "pate" meaning a maker or seller of dough-based goods.

What does the Pates map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Pates bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.