Surname Cates - Meaning and Origin

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V. Cates

Cates: What does the surname Cates mean?

The surname Cates is of English origin and is derived from a medieval nickname, "Catt". This nickname was used for a gentle or kind person, as it recalls the domesticated animal. The surname might have also been occupational, referring to a person who owned or cared for cats. Over time, the nickname transformed into a personal name and later into a surname. Other variants of the surname include: Kate, Catt, Caton, and Catling. Therefore, the Cates surname symbolizes kindness or an association with domestic cats. It's also possible that it is locational, originating from a place called Cates in England. The meaning and the origin can vary based on the family's history and evolution of the name itself.

Cates: Where does the name Cates come from?

The surname "Cates" is of English origin and is believed to have derived from the medieval given name Cat(t)e, a pet form of the personal name Cath(erine). It might also originate from the Old Norse name Káti. It became popular after the Norman Conquest in 1066 A.D.

The surname Cates in the modern era is common in the United States, particularly in southeastern states like Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. It is also somewhat prevalent in England and Canada. In its many forms, ranging from Cates to Catte or Katt, it can be found in numerous countries throughout the world. The most famous bearer of this surname is the American actress, Phoebe Cates.

Variations of the surname Cates

The surname Cates has several variants and similar spellings due to its different origin and modifications over time. The English origins of Cates often derive from the personal name Cate, a pet form of Catherine, resulting in surnames like Cate, Kates, or Catt. Another English origin is the nickname Cates, derived from the Middle English word "catt," meaning cat, resulting in surnames such as Catt, Cats, and Catte.

The surname can also stem from a topographic name for dwellers or workers at a gate, from the Old Norse word "gata" and Old English "geat," leading to surnames like Gate, Gait, or Gates.

The versions from other regions include De Cates and De Gatis from France, Von Cates from Germany, and De Cattis from Italy. Other possible Americanized forms of the surname are Cait, Cate, or even Kait due to phonetic alterations.

Surname variants can sometimes differ slightly even within a family due to record misspellings, language barriers, or personal preference, making it a complicated process to track the exact origins and modifications of a surname like Cates.

Famous people with the name Cates

• Phoebe Cates: A popular American film actress known for her roles in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and "Gremlins."
• Kevin Kline: Technically not a Cates by birth, but he's married to Phoebe Cates and has taken her last name professionally.
• Gil Cates: An American director and producer known for his work in both film and theater. He's also been the executive producer of the Academy Awards multiple times.
• Gil Cates Jr.: The son of Gil Cates, he is a film director, screenwriter, and producer.
• Nellie Cates: She became well-known after marrying the popular songwriter, Bob Gaudio, who was a member of the 1960s rock band, The Four Seasons.
• Timothy Cates: A renowned sports producer and broadcast radio personality.
• Cory Cates: An American entrepreneur who co-founded the Cates International electric vehicle company.
• Joseph Cates: An American television director and producer, and father of Phoebe Cates. He created the game show "Camouflage" and produced memorable special events, including the Tony Awards.
• Valerie Cates: A philanthropist in Texas frequently in the media for her community and charity work. She is the widow of financier Randall Cates.
• Brian Cates: a prominent columnist and political commentator.

Other surnames

CateCateleyCaterCatermanCatermint

Comments or additions to the name "Cates"

18.03.2024
My grandfather morning, Missouri my grandmother was born in Arkansas and moved to Georgia in 1939 and that's it most of them dead