Surname Catt - Meaning and Origin

Catt: What does the surname Catt mean?

The surname Catt is of English origin and has multiple interpretations. It may be derived from an occupational name for a herdsman, from the Middle English 'catte,' referring to a cat, but meant as a herdsman or someone who herds cattle. Similarly, it could have come from the trade of a cat-seller, someone who sold cats.

Alternatively, it may have originated as a nickname, from the Middle English term 'catte,' referring to someone dexterous and quick in their actions, akin to a cat, or someone sly and stealthy. Given the feline's widespread presence in medieval households, often used as a symbol in heraldry, the figure of a cat was associated with constituting traits such as independence, stealth, and a mysterious nature.

This surname has various spellings over centuries, including Cat, Catt, Catte, Chatt, and others. Like many other surnames, the meaning behind Catt can vary depending on different regional and historical contexts. However, its use as a surname dates back to the medieval period in the United Kingdom.

Catt: Where does the name Catt come from?

The surname Catt is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English pre 7th century term "catt" meaning 'a cat'. It was likely used as a nickname for a person who was sly or stealthy, or for someone who kept or hunted cats. The name might also have been given to someone who lived at a place noted for wild cats. It first appeared in records in England during the Middle Ages.

The surname spread across England, and later to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand through emigration. Today, the last name Catt is more commonly found in England and in the United States. The notable persons with the surname include British film director Mike Leigh, who was born as Michael Leigh Catt, and the American women's suffrage leader Carrie Chapman Catt. Its variants include Catte and Cat. As with many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation have evolved over time depending on geographical location and local cultural influences.

Variations of the surname Catt

The surname Catt is of English origin and has different spellings and variations, reflecting the changes in the language and phonetic spelling over the centuries. Variants of the surname include Catt, Cat, Cattell, Catell, Caton, Catton, Katt, and Kattell.

Some derivations of the name might come from a nickname or trade. For example, Caton and Catton might be derived from locations or from the trade of a "cattle" farmer. The surname might also trace back to the Norman name Catel, which can mean a warrior, or a man engaged in warfare.

Going deeper into variations, it potentially includes surnames like Catch, Cate, Cattan, Catter, and Catterall.

Similar sounding Germanic or Dutch surnames like "Katt" or "Kat" are also probable correspondences, but those would have separate origins from the English "Catt,” and thus, are not necessarily variants of the same name.

It's also possible that some families of "Catts" over the ages have changed their names to "Cat" or vice versa to simplify or differentiate their name.

Remember that surname origins can be complex and multifaceted, often overlapping cultural, geographic, and linguistic lines.

Famous people with the name Catt

• Carrie Chapman Catt: An American women's suffrage leader who campaigned for the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
• Thomas Catt: an Australian cricketer who played in one Test in 1921.
• Gregory Catt: also known as Greg Cat, is a professional Australian Rules football player who played for Brisbane Lions in the Australian Football League (AFL).
• The Catt Brothers (Antony and Richard): British football players who played in non-league football during the 1980s and 1990s.
• Cameron Catt: a popular Australian surfer best known for his victories in various surfing competitions.
• Catt Sadler: an American television personality and entertainment reporter.
• Andy Catt: A New Zealand professional rugby union player.
• Mike Catt: A former rugby union player who played as a fly-half and inside centre for London Irish and Bath. He also played for England's national team, and was a part of the 2003 World Cup-winning squad.
• Stephen Catt: Catt is a New Zealand businessman and the current CEO of Kamahi Electronics.

Other surnames

CatalCatalkayaCataltepeCatchartCateCateleyCaterCatermanCatermintCatesCathartCathbertCathcardtCathcartCatheartCatherCathersCatherwoodCathirsCathkartCatingCatledgeCatlerCatley