Yates

Yates is a surname of English origin that is common in many English-speaking countries. It is typically understood as a habitational name, arising from places named Yates or Yate, or from Old English elements associated with gates, suggesting a geographic origin near a gate or gatehouse. Over time, the name spread through migration and adaptation in different regions.

Geographically, Yates appears in various places and is most prominently associated with Yates County, New York, a rural region in the Finger Lakes area. The county seat is Penn Yan. Beyond this, the name appears in other North American communities and in localities around the world, reflecting its spread from its English roots.

In use, Yates is widely recognized as a surname carried by numerous individuals across politics, science, the arts, and sports. It is also encountered in fictional works and in the names of institutions, businesses, and geographic features, reflecting its continued presence in public life. As with many English surnames, its bearers have contributed to a broad range of cultural and historical contexts.

See also references to related forms such as Yate, which can refer to other places, surnames, or cultural uses in different regions.