Surname Kates - Meaning and Origin
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Kates: What does the surname Kates mean?
The surname Kates is a patronymic name derived from the personal name "Kate," a diminutive or nickname for Katherine. The "s" at the end signifies "son of" or "descendant of." Therefore, the surname Kates essentially means "son of Kate" or "descendant of Kate." This name has English origins and it is prevalent in the region which was once known as the Kingdom of Mercia, an Anglo-Saxon kingdom located in the English Midlands. Over time, this surname has experienced various spelling transformations such as Kat, Cate, Kate, Catt, Catte, and others. The name Katherine itself comes from the Greek name Αἰκατερίνα or Aikaterina, and it is generally believed to mean "pure," derived from the word ‘katharos’. In certain contexts, the surname could also be of Jewish (Ashkenazic) origin, a metronymic from the Yiddish personal name Käte.
Order DNA origin analysisKates: Where does the name Kates come from?
The surname Kates is of English origin, derived from one of the many personal names associated with the Anglo-Saxon tribes that once ruled Britain. It is believed to be a patronymic form of the name "Kate", a popular feminine name during the Middle Ages, meaning "pure" or "blessed". Over time, this name evolved into various forms such as "Cate", "Cates" and eventually "Kates". It may also have originated from the Hebrew name "Ketz", meaning "end" or "conclusion".
The Kates surname can be found scattered throughout the world today, although it is primarily concentrated in English-speaking countries. It is most common in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts. Other countries where the Kates surname can be found include England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, the distribution is fairly even, and not particularly concentrated in any specific region, making it a relatively uncommon surname overall. It is also found, although less commonly, in countries such as Germany, Russia, and Israel, reflecting the diaspora of English and Jewish populations over time.
Variations of the surname Kates
The surname Kates, believed to be of English origin, could have several variants, alterations and related surnames largely due to regional differences, transliteration and phonetics over time.
Variant forms might include: Kateson, Katess, and Kateses. Similar spellings could be: Katesz, Katess, and Katese. Name derivatives with synonymous meaning but variant spellings might include Cates, Cateses, Cateson and Catess.
Other variants could also embrace influence from different languages, translating the name but preserving its phonetic sound, such as Cates in Spanish, Kates in German, and Kätès in French.
Nicknames can also develop into independent surnames sharing the same origin, like Kaye, Kade, and Kate.
The same can be said for compound, hyphenated or multiple-word surnames such as Kates-Smith, Kates-Jones, or Hyphen Kates.
Finally, Anglicised forms of surname from other cultures that translate or sound similar to "Kates" could also be considered its variants, such as the Irish Caitins or Jewish Ketzel.
Please note these are potential variants and similar spellings, not all of them might be in actual use. Each variant carries its own history and might not always relate directly to the original surname.
Famous people with the name Kates
- Jeffrey Kates: A renowned American producer and writer known for his work in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit", "Mindhunter", and Necessary Roughness.
- Julia Kates: An actress known for her role in the popular TV series "Dawson's Creek."
- Robert L. Kates: An acclaimed Geographer, regarded as a pioneer in sustainability science.
- Amelia Kates: British actress, she gained fame for her work in "Appropriate Adult" and "Family Affairs."
- Jasmine Kates: Is an Australian actress known for "Denouement."
- LaChanze S. Gooding (born Rhonda LaChanze Sapp), known professionally as LaChanze (/ləʃɑːnz/ lə-SHAHNZ). A daughter named Celia Rose Gooding and a second daughter Zaya is with her second husband Derek Fordjour.
- Marion Kates: An American track and field athlete who held the US indoor record in the 60 meters.
- Bobbi Kates: A children's book author who wrote several Sesame Street books.
- Steve Kates: Also known as Dr. Sky, a radio and TV personality specializing in astronomy.
- Michael Kates: An American actor known for "Some Dogs" and "The First Hope."
- Benjamin Kates: A film actor and director, known for "Berated", "Alone But Not Lonely" and "Black Coffee".