Surname Slater - Meaning and Origin

iGENEA DNA Test: A Voyage into the Ancestry of the Surname Slater

The highly comprehensive and safe DNA test administered by iGENEA illuminated my ancestry and detailed genetic journey. It offered an in-depth understanding of my surname, Slater's origins, forging a connection between my lineage and the English-Scottish roots.

W. Slater

Slater: What does the surname Slater mean?

The surname Slater is of English origin and derives from the Old English word "scealter," meaning a person who covers roofs with slate. It is an occupational surname, that is, it was initially used as a job description. It was commonly provided to individuals who were roof slaters by profession during the Middle Ages, when surnames were becoming common. Surnames usually originated to help distinguish one another within communities that were expanding. They were based on a wide range of aspects like occupation, geographical features, and personal characteristics. Slater is a common surname in countries such as the UK, the US, Australia, and Canada.

Slater: Where does the name Slater come from?

The last name Slater is most commonly found in countries of the English-speaking world, including England, Ireland, Australia, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. In the United States, Slater is the 426th most popular surname according to 2019 census data. Its abundance in the U.S. is mainly seen in the mid-west and southern states such as Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Missouri.

In England, Slater is the 80th most common surname with its largest presence in the cities of Hull, Sheffield, and Leeds. The popularity of the name is likely linked to the heavy industrialisation of the region during the 19th century. In Ireland, Slater is the 176th most popular surname. There is evidence of prominent Slater families in the southern city of Cork as far back as the 1600s.

By contrast, in Australia Slater is the 150th most popular surname. The sizable Slater population in Victoria can be attributed to the migration of miners from Cornwall in the mid-1800s, while in New Zealand the name is ranked of 26th.

Slater is a topographical surname, derived from the occupancy of a slater or roovesetter. Aside from the most common spelling, alternate spellings of the name include Slayter, Sleyter, Slatter, and Slotor.

Variations of the surname Slater

The surname Slater is derived from the English occupational surname of slatter, or slater, either referring to someone who styles roof slates or someone who deals in them. Variants of the surname include Slayter, Slator, and Schlater.

Spellings of the surname Slater can vary. Variations of the name include Slatter, Slatter, and Slator. All of these spellings are legitimate and are found in various records.

Surnames that are of the same origin as Slater include Slayter, Slator, and Schlater. Slayter is an alternate spelling of Slater which is believed to have originated in the heathery uplands of Scotland. Slator and Schlater are both German variant spellings of the same surname.

In addition, there are surnames which sound somewhat similar to the surname Slater, but are not derived from it. Such surnames include Slaughter, Schlotter, and Schlatter. Slaughter is an English surname which is derived from the Old English term slahtre meaning "slaughterer," while Schlotter and Schlatter are German surnames which may have derived from the German word "schlottern" meaning shaking, trembling, or shivering.

Famous people with the name Slater

• Christian Slater: an American actor, producer and voice actor known for roles in films such as Heathers, True Romance, Interview with the Vampire, Broken Arrow, and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
• Christine Slater: Australian television presenter and former Miss Universe Australia
• Arthur Slater: English footballer who played for Huddersfield Town and England in the early 20th century.
• Richard Slater: English photographer and professional photographer who established a photography studio in London in 1950.
• Andre Slater: former American professional basketball player who won the Most Improved Player Award for the 1984–85 season.
• Jack Slater: Former thisle player and hurler who won the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship with Cork in 1919.
• Alison Slater: Australian actress, singer and dancer who has starred in television shows like Home and Away and Packed to the Rafters
• James Slater: British soldier and privateer who was active in the Atlantic during the early 18th century
• Judith Slater: British actress known for roles in films such as Sense and Sensibility, The Constant Gardener and Infamous 10.Bryan Slater: American film and television actor and producer best known for his roles in films such as Heathers and Pretty in Pink

Other surnames

Slaten