Surname Coates - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling My Heritage: A Journey Through Time and the Story of the Surname 'Coates'

Embarking on a journey into my ancestral roots via an iGENEA DNA test, I embarked on a remarkable quest into the history and cultural significance linked to my surname - Coates. This exploration unveiled its origins in northern England and Scotland, its resilience during The Great Migration, and the rich narratives it encapsulates.

Y. Coates

Coates: What does the surname Coates mean?

The surname Coates originates from England where it was primarily used in the northern and eastern regions. It is a locational name, usually given to individuals who lived in a small cottage or a humble dwelling. More specifically, 'Coates' is derived from the Old English term 'cotes', which means ‘shelter’ or ‘cottages.’ Thus, as a last name, Coates carries the meaning 'dweller at the cottages' or simply ‘cottager.' Some early records even suggest a connection towards individuals who took care of horses, relating the term 'Coates' to 'coats of a horse'. The name has various spellings including Coate, Coats, Cotes, and others. Noteworthy individuals with this surname have impacted fields such as literature, journalism, sports, and more.

Coates: Where does the name Coates come from?

The surname Coates originates from England and Scotland. It derived from the Old English "cotes," which means "shelter" or "cottages". More specifically, it served as a geographical indicator for people residing near a notable hut or cottage. Variations of the surname include Coats, Coate, Cotes, etc. Over time, many people with this surname migrated to other regions. As such, the surname is now found in many English-speaking countries worldwide, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. The 1881 UK census shows a significant presence of the Coates family in Northern England, specifically in Yorkshire, Durham, and Lancashire. Currently, it remains highly prevalent in these regions of the UK. In the United States, it is most common in states like Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Virginia. The surname has grown prominent through people like Ta-Nehisi Coates, an American author and journalist, and vast numbers of war veterans, enhancing its global presence.

Variations of the surname Coates

The surname Coates is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and commonly found in England. It's derived from the Old English term "cot", which translates to "shelter" or "hut". Therefore, variants of Coates can be attributed to regional differences in how this term was used or spelled.

Variations of Coates might include Coate, Coats, Coatsworth, Cotes, Cote, and Cootes. Other forms possibly associated include Coath, Coote, and Coot.

In terms of spelling, it's not uncommon to see it written as Coats as well, dropping the 'e'. There are also versions without the 's' at the end, yielding Coate or Cote.

Common surnames that could share the same origin with Coates include the Scottish Cochran (or Cochrane) which derives from the Gaelhum "each donn", meaning 'brown horse'. Another could be the Irish Coogan, which originates from the Gaelic "MacCuagain", meaning 'son of Cuagain', a name that possibly referred to someone living in a small, hut-like dwelling.

These surnames, while unique in their own right, could all potentially have roots tracing back to similar names or terms, making them variants or spelling deviations of Coates.

Famous people with the name Coates

• Ta-Nehisi Coates: An American author and journalist known for his work on African American culture and history.
• Albert Coates: A British conductor and composer.
• John Coates: An Australian businessman and co-chairman of Hancock Prospecting.
• Thomas Coates: A British trombonist and bandleader.
• Gloria Coates: An American composer, recognized for her symphonies.
• Rebecca Coates: A prominent Australian art curator and director of the Shepparton Art Museum.
• John Bertram Coates: A British Olympic diver.
• Billy Coates: An American country music singer and songwriter.
• Don Coates: An American poker player.
• Ron Coates: A Canadian professional ice hockey player.
• Gary Coates: A British cinematographer.
• Kathy Coates: An American author and motivational speaker.
• Eric Coates: A British composer of light music and, early in his career, leading violist.
• Taressa Coates: A famous American musical artist.
• Peter Coates: A British businessman and current chairman of Stoke City F.C.
• Kenneth H. Coates: A Canadian historian focused on the history of the Canadian North and Aboriginal rights.
• Sam Coates: A British journalist serving as a political editor for Sky News.
• Bob Coates: An American politician and Representative in the North Carolina General Assembly.
• Darrell K. Coates: An ordained minister in the Church of God and Louisiana State Chaplain.

Other surnames

Coate