Surname Cotes - Meaning and Origin
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Cotes: What does the surname Cotes mean?
The surname Cotes is of English origin and is often regarded as a geographical name. It is derived from the Old English term "cote" which translates to "cottage". The name was initially used as a designation for individuals who lived in a small cottage or a humble dwelling. Alternatively, it may also refer to individuals who lived near a mark or sign such as a hill, stream, church or a type of tree, based on variation in regional dialects and local usage. Over time, variations like Coates, Coate, Cote, Coats, Coutts, and others have come up. Like many surnames that had their beginnings as nicknames or occupational descriptions, the original meaning and its correlation to the present-day bearers might no longer apply. Popularity of this name spread largely due to immigration and it can now be located in countries like America, Australia, Canada, and many parts of Europe.
Order DNA origin analysisCotes: Where does the name Cotes come from?
The last name Cotes is of English origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old Norse word "kot" which translates to "hut," a direct reference to one's residence, indicating that the original bearers of the surname lived in an area or homestead marked by these dwellings. Cotes is primarily linked to families living in the regions of Leicestershire, Shropshire, and Northumberland in the United Kingdom. Some families with this surname migrated to France and Spain during different periods of history.
In the modern context, leveraging data from surname distributions, Cotes is most common in England. However, its spread due to colonial and modern migration is now worldwide, extending to countries like Australia, the United States, and parts of South America, especially Colombia. While the surname has retained its original form for most bearers, variations like Coates and Cootes can also be found. Nevertheless, despite its dispersion, the Cotes surname remains relatively rare in global comparison.
Variations of the surname Cotes
The surname Cotes is of English origin and is derived from the word 'cote,' which commonly referred to a small dwelling or cottage.
There are several variants and alternative spellings of this surname due to regional dialects, handwriting interpretation, and Anglicisation over centuries. Some of these alternates include: Coates, Coate, Cootes, Cote, Coats, Coatesworth, and Coat.
The variant Coates is particularly prevalent, especially in the United Kingdom. The name also appears as de Cote in old documents, pointing to its use as a locational surname (originating from a place, region, or geographical feature).
Another way the name can be spelled is Coat, predominantly in the South West of England. The spelling Coats predominantly occurs in Scotland, and it can also occasionally be found in the Northern and midland counties of England.
Some other surnames that may have the same origin due to sharing similar root words or meanings include: Cotter, Cotman, Cott, and Codes. However, it's important to note that similar spellings or phonetics do not always warrant a direct connection or descent, as names developed independently in different regions based on a variety of factors.
Famous people with the name Cotes
- Roger Cotes: An English mathematician who worked closely with Isaac Newton. He's known for his work in developing integral calculus and for his collaboration on the second edition of Newton's Principia.
- Sue Cotes: A British librarian and educator known for her works in the field of library and information science.
- Tim Cotes: A British author known for his Mike Nash crime thriller series.
- Pierre Cotes: A French painter active during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
- Francis Cotes: An 18th century English painter who was one of London's leading portraitists. Please note that the information regarding the number of famous people with the surname "Cotes" is limited. Given the relatively low prevalence of this surname compared to other surnames, the list of notable individuals may be shorter. Also, it's worth noting that the similar sounding surname “Coates” have many more noteworthy bearers including a number of actors, authors, and other public figures.