Surname Meate - Meaning and Origin
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Meate: What does the surname Meate mean?
The last name Meate is derived from the Old Norman-French word "meate," which means "meat." In the Middle Ages, the word was used to refer to a butcher or someone who sold or distributed meat. It is believed to have been used as both an occupational name and a nickname.
Today, the surname Meate is most common in Britain and France, as well as parts of Germany and the Netherlands. In the United States, it is most commonly found in New England and Pennsylvania. Thus, it is likely that the earliest immigrants with the last name Meate were of British or French origin.
The surname often appears in records as being of multiple spellings. Variants include Meats, Meeates, meyt, Mate, and others. However, all of these variants are believed to have the same origin and meaning.
The purpose of a surname was to identify individuals of a similar family line or lineage. Thus, by tracing the surname Meate through historical records and documents, one may be able to learn more about their genealogy.
Overall, the last name Meate is believed to have traditionally been associated with the butcher's trade and is a popular surname in Britain and France today.
Order DNA origin analysisMeate: Where does the name Meate come from?
The last name Meate is found primarily in the British Isles and in parts of Europe. It likely originated in Surrey, England and is derived from the Old English term meaning “meat-splitter.” It is a uncommonly seen family name in contemporary Britain and is believed to be related to the surnames Mete and Mite. Within England, the name is particularly concentrated in London and Essex. Variations of this name are also found in Scotland and Wales, with the Scottish clan of Menzies additionally featuring the Meate spelling.
Outside of the United Kingdom, Meate can generally be found in the surrounding areas of the British Isles such as Ireland, Northern France, and Belgium. It is also prevalent in Germany and the Czech Republic, while there are smaller numbers appearing in the United States. In total, fewer than 5,000 people in the world are known to carry the name.
Although the majority of Meates today live in Europe, the true origin of the name dates back to the Middle Ages and is likely linked to the professional groups of meat traders that worked in the London markets during that time. In the centuries since, people who have taken the surname Meate have spread their influence throughout the world.
Variations of the surname Meate
Meate is a rare English surname that has several variants, spellings, and additional surnames stemming from the same origin. The surnames, spellings, and variants of Meate include Meate, Meter, Meeter, Mether, Myott, and Meath.
Meate is derived from the phrase "meath," which is an Old English term for "movable property." The surname denotes one who held or transferred movable property or assets, such as sheep, through inheritance or purchase. Over several centuries, this surname evolved into different spellings and variants, such as Meter, Meeter, and Mether. In some cases, the surname was even corrupted into more modern versions such as Myott. These surnames all stem from the same origin.
The earliest records of the Meate surname can be traced back to 14th-century England in the East Midlands region of the country. One of the earliest examples of the surname is found in the tax records of 1400, in which Roger de Meate was listed in the village of Glaston. Records from the 1500s show many members of the Meate family living in southeastern England in the area around Suffolk.
In addition to England, Meate and its variants are also found in Scotland, particularly in the Aberdeenshire, Ayrshire, and East Perthshire regions. The earliest records indicating the presence of the Meate surname in Scotland date back to the 1600s.
The Meate surname can still be found in England today, primarily in coastal areas of the country, such as in Plymouth in Devon. The surname is also relatively common in Scotland, where it is still found in rural regions of the country.
Famous people with the name Meate
- WIlliam Meate, the 18th century English astrologer and almanac writer.
- Stephen Meate, actor, known for his role in the 2009 film Suck.
- Margaret Meate, 16th century English nun and canonical Benedictine.
- Michael Meate, British-born award-winning screenwriter, producer, and actor.
- Andrew Meate, 19th century American figure skater.
- Carrie Meate, contemporary British film composer and producer.
- Matilda Meate, Romani-British singer and songwriter.
- Gerald Meate, English cricket player, active in the 19th century.
- Rachell Meate, Australian professional chocolatier and entrepreneur.
- Matthew Meate, contemporary British self-taught musician and composer.