In 30 seconds: Tate is a crisp one-syllable surname name of Old Norse origin meaning cheerful or glad. Originally a boy's name, it is increasingly popular for girls as a modern gender-neutral choice.
Tate derives from the Old Norse name Teitr meaning cheerful or glad, which entered English as a surname. It has been a patronymic and occupational surname in England since the medieval period.
Tate began appearing as a given name in the late 20th century, initially for boys, but with growing use for girls in the 2010s. Its monosyllabic boldness and positive meaning appeal to parents seeking a strong, simple name.
Did you know? The famous Tate Modern art gallery in London takes its name from sugar magnate Sir Henry Tate, whose surname comes from the same Old Norse root meaning cheerful β making it perhaps the world's most visited name meaning happy.
Overall data confidence 80%
Hanks & Hodges, Dictionary of First Names β reference for TateBehind the Name: Tate β name etymology reference
