Slater History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland
Scotland

The many generations and branches of the Slater family can all place the origins of their surname with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. Their name reveals that an early member worked as a person who covered roofs with slate. Slater is an occupational surname, which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. Occupational surnames were derived from the primary activity of the bearer. In the Middle Ages, people did not generally live off of the fruits of their labor in a particular job. Rather, they performed a specialized task, as well as farming, for subsistence. Other occupational names were derived from an object associated with a particular activity. This type of surname is called a metonymic surname. This surname comes from the Old English word esclate, which means splinter or slat.

Early Origins of the Slater family

The surname Slater was first found in Derbyshire where the earliest records of the family were found at Barlborough near Chesterfield in Derbyshire.

As an occupational name, the family name was a trade name of a roofer and was originally spelled Sclater. This spelling is still used as far north into Scotland, specifically the Shetlands and the Orkney Islands, where their territories were in Burnes. "Robert Sklatare sold his tenement in Glasgow in 1430, John Sclater was a burgess of Arnbroath in 1458, and another John Sclatar witnessed a Forfarshire obligation in 1497." 1

Early census records in Britain revealed Thomas le Sclatatere in Worcestershire in 1255 and Saundr le Sclattur in 1278 in Oxfordshire. 2 The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list: Adam le Scatterre and Richard le Sclattere in Oxfordshire and Walter Sclatter in Buckinghamshire. 3

"The living [of Tetsworth, Oxfordshire] is a vicarage, in the gift of the Slater family: the great tithes have been commuted for £210, and the small tithes for £115." 4 The Sclaters of Hoddington, claim to have borrowed their name from the parish of Slaughter, or Schlauter in Gloucestershire where they were lords of the manor of over three hundred years. 5

Early History of the Slater family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Slater research. Another 234 words (17 lines of text) covering the years 1508, 1514, 1550, 1571, 1575, 1576, 1609, 1612, 1615, 1616, 1620, 1623, 1626, 1634, 1636, 1640, 1659, 1662, 1663, 1664, 1667, 1676, 1679, 1683, 1684, 1685, 1690, 1699 and 1717 are included under the topic Early Slater History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Slater Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Slater were recorded, including Sclater, Slater, Slatter, Sklater and others.

Early Notables of the Slater family

Distinguished members of the family include

Richard Slater (1634-1699), was an English politician, Member of Parliament for Nottingham (1679-1685) and (1690-1699), High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire (1676-1667.)

Slater World Ranking

In the United States, the name Slater is the 924^th most popular surname with an estimated 32,331 people with that name. 6 However, in Australia, the name Slater is ranked the 381^st most popular surname with an estimated 9,734 people with that name. 7 And in New Zealand, the name Slater is the 696^th popular surname with an estimated 1,024 people with that name. 8 The United Kingdom ranks Slater as 243^rd with 24,512 people. 9

Migration of the Slater family to Ireland

Some of the Slater family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Slater migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Slater family emigrate to North America:

Slater Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

John Slater, who arrived in Virginia in 1617 10
Anne Slater, aged 17, who arrived in Virginia in 1622 aboard the ship "Gift" 10
Bartho Slater, who arrived in Maryland in 1637 10
Bartholomew Slater, who landed in Maryland in 1637 10
Leonard Slater, who arrived in Virginia in 1639 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Slater Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Mary Slater, who landed in New York in 1705 10
Richard Slater, who arrived in Virginia in 1705 10
John Slater, who landed in America in 1760-1763 10
George Slater, who arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1764 10
James Slater, who landed in New York in 1798 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Slater Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Joseph, Michael, Peter, Robert, Samuel, Simeon, Thomas, and William Slater, who arrived in Philadelphia between 1802 and 1868
Robert Slater, who landed in America in 1804 10
Pamther Slater, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1834 10
Christopher Slater, who landed in Missouri in 1840 10
G H Slater, who landed in San Francisco, California in 1851 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Slater Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Katherine Slater, who landed in Colorado in 1903 10

Slater migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Slater Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Abraham Slater, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
John Slater, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
Mary Slater, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
Richard Slater, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
Abraham Slater, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1775
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Slater Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Thomas Slater, aged 30, a shoemaker, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the brig "Lady Douglas" from New Ross
Mr. John Slater, aged 16 who was emigrating through Grosse Isle Quarantine Station, Quebec aboard the ship "Emigrant" departing 11th August 1847 from Liverpool, England; the ship arrived on 3rd October 1847 but he died on board 11
Prokop Slater, aged 33, who arrived in Quebec in 1896

Slater migration to Australia +

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

Slater Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. Thomas Slater, (b. 1781), aged 32, English plasterer who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 14 years for coining, transported aboard the "Earl Spencer" in May 1813, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1829 12
Mr. Isaac Slater, British convict who was convicted in Coria, Caceres, Spain for life, transported aboard the "Baring" in April 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
Mr. Joseph Slater, Welsh convict who was convicted in Montgomery, Powys, Wales for 7 years, transported aboard the "Baring" in December 1818, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
Mr. George Slater, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Eliza" on 22nd September 1819, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 14
Miss Elizabeth Slater who was convicted in Essex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Brothers" on 20th November 1823, arriving in New South Wales, Australia and Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 15
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Slater 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:

Slater Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Barnard Slater, who landed in Nelson, New Zealand in 1842 aboard the ship Fifeshire
Mr. Slater, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Fairy Queen" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 9th July 1850 16
Mr. Francis Slater, (b. 1857), aged 1 year 3 months, English settler from Leicester travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Zealandia" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 21st September 1858 17
Mr. Daniel Slater, (b. 1826), aged 32, British carpenter and millwright travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Zealandia" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 21st September 1858 17
Mrs. Susannah Slater, (b. 1826), aged 32, English settler from Leicester travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Zealandia" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 21st September 1858 17
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Slater migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 18

Slater Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Joshua Slater, who settled in Barbados in 1675

Contemporary Notables of the name Slater (post 1700) +

Jason Slater (1971-2020), American musician, record producer, mixer, and songwriter, founding bassist for Third Eye Blind
Philip Slater, American actor, writer and sociologist
Matthew Slater (b. 1985), American professional football player
Lauren Slater (b. 1963), American psychologist and writer
Kelly Slater (b. 1972), American professional surfer
Helen Rachel Slater (b. 1963), American actress and singer-songwriter
Glenn Slater (b. 1968), American two-time Tony award nominated lyricist
Frank O. Slater (b. 1920), American Naval reservist, posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, eponym of the USS Slater (DE-766)
Christian Michael Leonard Slater (b. 1969), American actor
Bill Slater (1902-1965), American educator, sports announcer, and radio/television personality
... (Another 20 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Slater family +

HMAS Sydney II

Mr. Alec George Hamilton Slater (1922-1941), Australian Assistant Cook from North Ringwood, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 19

HMS Prince of Wales

Mr. W Slater, British Musician, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 20
Mr. Ronald Slater, DSM, British Able Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales May 1941 and died at the battle of Denmark Strait, before the sinking of the HMS Prince of Wales 20

HMS Repulse

Mr. Arthur Slater, British Petty Officer, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 21
Mr. Roland Slater, British Ordinary Signalman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 21
Mr. James Slater, British Leading Stoker, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 21
Mr. James Slater, British Chief Stoker, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking 21

RMS Lusitania

Mr. Frank William Slater, American 2nd Class passenger from New York, New York, USA, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 22

The Slater Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Crescit sub pondere virtus
Motto Translation: Virtue thrives under oppression.

Citations +

Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 95)
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th September 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-spencer
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/baring
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 10th February 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/eliza
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 30th October 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/brothers
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/