Surname Caton - Meaning and Origin

Caton: What does the surname Caton mean?

Caton is a surname of English origin. It is derived from an ancient name, Catan, which is thought to be of Celtic origin. The meaning of the surname varies, with some interpretations suggesting it refers to a place. It might mean "cat valley" when derived from Old English elements 'catt' referring to 'cat', and 'ton' meaning 'valley or settlement'. Alternatively, it could be from a pet form of the Biblical name Cathan, with Irish Gaelic roots, meaning "little battle". As with many surnames of ancient origin, the exact meaning may vary based on the historical and geographical context. It should also be noted that the spelling variations include Catton, Cattan, and Caton, among others. The surname is popular in English-speaking countries and regions with historical English influence.

Caton: Where does the name Caton come from?

The surname Caton is of English origin. It is an anglicized version of the French name "de Caton," derived from the Old Northern French "Caton," a diminutive of "Cat," or "Catte," an Old French double diminutive of "Catha." The name was originally given as a nickname to a sharp or cunning person, characteristics commonly associated with a cat. It might also have been a metonymic occupational name for a hunter of wild cats or a keeper of domestic cats.

Following the Norman conquest of England in 1066, this surname was brought to England and was predominantly used in Northern England, especially in Yorkshire. The surname is first recorded in the late 12th Century. Over time, however, it spread throughout the rest of England and eventually reached other English-speaking countries like the US and Australia.

Today, Caton is more common in the United States, with a significant number of families in New York, California, and Florida. However, it retains a strong presence in England, especially in Lancashire and Yorkshire. It is also found sprinkled in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Caton

The surname Caton originates from two main sources, either the Old French/Celtic "cat" meaning battle or from the personal Hebrew name "Caton" implying wise. Its variations and alternative spellings include Catton, Catone, Katon, Cattoni, Catano, Cattaneo, and Catanaro. The surname was first found in Yorkshire back in the 12th century and has since spread out.

It has evolved into different forms as time passed by, based on geography, pronunciation changes, and even by individual whim sometimes. As a result, we also find variations like de Caton, Cattan, Catten, Cattanach, and Cattano, each bearing the same foundation as the original surname but with nuances informed by the local language and culture.

Sometimes, the surname is preceded by an adjective or a place of origin as in "de Caton" where "de" shows noble origin. Some surnames like Cattaneo or Catanaro may indicate geographical origin as well.

Although the variants of the name differ in their looks and sounds, they all carry the essence of Caton, connecting people bearing these surnames to their common roots.

Famous people with the name Caton

• Josh Caton: Actor and television host
• Graham Caton: British actor
• James Caton: American long distance runner
• Richard Caton Woodville: American painter
• Robert Caton: American composer
• Thomas Caton: English sculptor
• Teresa Caton: Soprano opera singer
• Joan Caton: American gold medalist swimmer
• Carl Caton: Professional American football player
• Bill Caton: American Major League Baseball player
• Maud Caton Brown: American songwriter and pianist
• Billy Caton: American composer and arranger
• Caton Hill: Professional basketball player
• Harold Caton: British World War I flying ace
• Wedgwood Caton: English portrait painter

Other surnames

Cator