Surname Cate - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
A Journey of Unraveling the Mysteries of Ancestry: From Unknowns to Known with iGENEA DNA Test
Delving into the labyrinth of my ancestry via iGENEA's comprehensive DNA test, I unearthed astonishing discoveries about my last-name lineage, 'Cate.' This journey of finding my roots unfolded several fascinating surprises that not only enriched my understanding of my heritage but defined my cultural identity in unforeseen ways.
Z. Cate
read moreCate: What does the surname Cate mean?
The surname Cate is of Anglo-Saxon origin, stemming from the personal name "Kate," a diminutive of "Katherine." Its roots can be traced back to the Old Greek name "Aikaterine," which means "pure" or "unsullied". The name became popular in Middle Ages due to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr. The surname Cate emerged as a way to identify individuals who were descendants or followers of a person named Kate or Katherine. The "s" at the end, which sometimes accompanies the name (as in "Cates"), denotes "son of." The surname became widely established in the British Isles, particularly in England. However, like many surnames, it can be found in many parts of the world today due to migration and the passage of time. Despite the geographical spread, the name Cate still carries with it a sense of purity and strength from its ancient Greek origins.
Order DNA origin analysisCate: Where does the name Cate come from?
The surname Cate is of Anglo-Saxon origin, primarily from England and Scotland. The name is derived from the Old English "caed," meaning "wharf" or "landing place." This suggests that the original bearers of the surname likely lived near a wharf or were involved in trading.
However, another interpretation links the name Cate with the medieval English personal name or nickname "Cate," which is a diminutive form of "Catherine." This became a surname when descendants continued to use it as an identifier over generations.
Today, the surname Cate is not particularly common worldwide. However, its highest concentration it can be found in the United States, particularly in the states of Texas, Arkansas, and Alabama. Other countries where people exist with the last name Cate include England, Australia, and Canada, although in lesser concentrations compared to the US. It is worth noting that the spelling of the surname can vary tremendously, including Cates, Catt, Catts, and others. This variety can make the exact distribution more difficult to trace.
Variations of the surname Cate
The surname Cate is believed to have originated from several sources including the Old English personal name Káti, from the Old Norse Káti, which is a diminutive of any compound name with the first element 'káti' which means 'fight'. It can also be a diminutive name of Catherine, originating from Greek 'katharos' meaning 'pure'. Furthermore, it may also be from a Middle English occupational name for a barrel maker or barrel merchant, in Middle English 'cater'.
There are several variants and alternate spellings for the surname Cate, reflecting its diverse origins. These variations include: Cates, Catt, Catts, Catte, Cat, Cats, Katt, Katts, Katte, Katz, Kate, Kates, Kaat, Kaats, Cada, Kada, and Cater.
Depending upon regional accents and dialects, these names have diverged significantly over time, leading to the plethora of variations we see today. It is also possible that the surname Cate could be a shortened or 'anglicised' version of a longer, more complex surname.
Famous people with the name Cate
- Annette De la Renta (born Annette Engelhard Reed Cate): American philanthropist and socialite, wife of fashion designer Oscar De la Renta.
- Cate Blanchett: Australian actress and theater director, renowned for her roles in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "Blue Jasmine".
- Laurel Cates: an actress whose film credits include "Green Stuff" and "Pouncing Art", also recognized for her work on theatre.
- Timothy Cate: Professional baseball player for the Washington Nationals organization.
- Dick Cate: American lawyer, politician, and a Democratic member of the Tennessee Senate.
- Susan Cates: American businesswoman and the CEO of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
- Chandler Cate: Actor best known for his work in the short film "Polaroid". These are some of the notable celebrities with the last name Cate. However, the most well-known amongst them is Cate Blanchett, who has won several accolades for her work in film, including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and three British Academy Film Awards.