Oates History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
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  England 
  Ireland 


The distinguished surname Oates emerged among the industrious people of Flanders, which was an important trading partner and political ally of Britain during the Middle Ages. As a result of the frequent commercial intercourse between the Flemish and English nations, many Flemish migrants settled in Britain. In early times, people were known by only a single name. However, as the population grew and people traveled further afield, it became increasingly necessary to assume an additional name to differentiate between bearers of the same personal name. One of the most common classes of surname is the patronymic surname, which was usually derived from the first name of the person's father. Flemish surnames of this type are often characterized by the diminutive suffix -kin, which became very frequent in England during the 14th century. The surname Oates is derived from the Old French personal names Odes, Otes, Odon, and Otton. These are all derived from the Old German names Odo and Otto, which literally mean riches. 1 Occasionally, the name Oates is a local surname derived from the settlement of Ott in Belgium. 2

Another source claims the name is occupational as in "a nickname for a Dealer in Oats." 3

Early Origins of the Oates family

The surname Oates was first found in the Domesday Book of 1086 where Ode, Odo, Otho were recorded. 4 Later in Lincolnshire, Radulfus filius Ode was recorded in 1160 and later again, Willelmus filius Ote (Otte) was recorded in the Pipe Rolls for Essex in 1177. In Suffolk, William Ode was registered in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1213. "Belchamp Otton (Essex) owes its attribute (Otes 1254, Oton 1255) to Otlo (temp. Hy 2), descendant of Otto or Odo 4. " 5

The Hundredorum Rolls for 1273 included entries as a forename and surname: Hotys de Parme, Lincolnshire; and Andreas Otes, Norfolk as did the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379: Otes de Howorth; and Johannes Oteson

In Ireland, the name is "a synonym by pseudo-translation of Quirke." (GIF)

Early History of the Oates family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Oates research. Another 159 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1160, 1177, 1213, 1275, 1610, 1646, 1649, 1654, 1666, 1674, 1683, 1697 and 1705 are included under the topic Early Oates History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Oates Spelling Variations

Flemish surnames are characterized by a large number of spelling variations. One reason for this is that medieval English lacked definite spelling rules. The spellings of surnames were also influenced by the official court languages, which were French and Latin. Names were rarely spelled consistently in medieval times. Scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to specific spelling rules, and people often had their names registered in several different forms throughout their lives. One of the greatest reasons for change is the linguistic uniqueness of the Flemish settlers in England, who spoke a language closely related to Dutch. The pronunciation and spelling of Flemish names were often altered to suit the tastes of English-speaking people. In many cases, the first, final, or middle syllables of surnames were eliminated. The name has been spelled Oates, Oats, Otes, Otis, Oaten, Otten, Oadt, Otton, Oton and many more.

Early Notables of the Oates family

Prominent in the family at this time was

Oates World Ranking

In the United States, the name Oates is the 3,598th most popular surname with an estimated 7,461 people with that name. 6 However, in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Oates is ranked the 560th most popular surname with an estimated 81 people with that name. 7 And in Australia, the name Oates is the 980th popular surname with an estimated 4,044 people with that name. 8

Migration of the Oates family to Ireland

Some of the Oates family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Oates migration to the United States +

The records on immigrants and ships' passengers show a number of people bearing the name Oates:

Oates Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Oates Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Oates Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Oates migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Oates Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Oates migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Oates Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Oates migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Oates Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Oates (post 1700) +


Suggested Readings for the name Oates +
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