Last Name Cat

The surname "Cat" has multiple origins across different cultures and countries. In England, it is thought to be a shortened form of given names that contained the Old French element 'Cater' (catte), which meant 'battle, warrior.' Some examples of such given names are Nicholas Cat (meaning Victory of the People) or Richard Cat (Strong Leader). In France and other Romance languages, "Chat" is the word for cat. The surname Chat may have originated as an occupational name for a person who dealt with cats professionally, such as a bird catcher or furrier. It's also found among Jewish families in Eastern Europe, where it could be derived from the Yiddish word "khatz" (meaning fox), which was sometimes used as a derogatory term for Jews. In this context, some Cat-bearing families might have adopted the name to mock their persecutors. Lastly, in various Slavic languages, 'cat' is represented by words such as "kot" in Russian or "kocina" in Bulgarian. It is possible that a surname with these roots may have originated for any of the above reasons. Without knowing the specific ancestral background of an individual bearing the Cat/Chat surname, it is challenging to identify the exact origin with certainty.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cat

The meaning and origin of the last name Cat

The surname "Cat" is primarily found among the Celtic populations of Scotland and Ireland, where it is an anglicized form of various Gaelic names that contain the element "cait," which means "pure," "holy," or "belessed." One such name is "Mac Cáthaidh," meaning "son of Cathaidh," from which the English surname "Cathie" and eventually "Cat" may have originated. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of names can change due to factors like migration, language assimilation, and scribal errors in historical records. The Cat surname may also appear as variants such as Cate, Catt, or Katie in some regions and families. It is important to note that the exact origin and meaning of a surname can sometimes be complex due to the passage of time and cultural evolution.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cat

The surname "Cat" is predominantly found in European countries, particularly those with Anglo-Saxon heritage such as England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. It is also common in France, where it can be spelled as "Cats," "Catte," or "Le Cat." In the United States, the name "Cat" is more commonly found among African Americans due to the influence of slave trade origins from Africa. In other parts of the world, such as Spain and Italy, similar-sounding surnames like "Gato" (Spanish for cat) and "Gatto" (Italian for cat) are prevalent. The name's global distribution reflects historical migration patterns and cultural assimilation over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cat

The surname "Cat" has several variants and spellings across different countries and regions. In English-speaking nations, the spelling is typically written as "Cat." However, it may also be found as "Catt," which is an anglicized version of Scottish and Irish names such as MacAte (Gaelic) or O'Cait (Irish), meaning "descendant of Cait" in their respective languages. In some instances, the name may be spelled as "Kate" or "Kaete," which are female given names but could occasionally appear as surnames. The French equivalent is "Chat," while the Italian variant is "Catto." Additionally, variations such as "Catte," "Katte," and "Kaette" can be found in certain regions, albeit less frequently. These variations highlight the diverse origins and adaptations of the name "Cat."

Famous people with the last name Cat

Among individuals with the surname "Cat," two notable figures stand out: 1. Edward Gorey (1925-2000), an American writer and artist, whose macabre and humorous illustrations and stories are renowned. He was a prolific author of children's books such as "The Gashlycrumb Tinies" and the original concept artist for the PBS television series "Mystery!" 2. Halle Berry (born 1966), an Academy Award-winning American actress, is also known by her maiden name, Catlett, though she later changed it to Berry. Some of her most recognized roles include Storm in the X-Men film series and Jolee O'Dell in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones. Her performance as a diabetic woman in need of a heart transplant in the 2001 film Monster's Ball earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Genealogical research on the last name Cat

The surname Cat has roots in several European countries, with notable origins tracing back to France and England. In France, the name was originally a nickname for someone cat-like in appearance or behavior, derived from the Old French "cat" meaning 'cat'. It is also suggested that the name may have been occupational, referring to a maker or seller of cats for fur or companionship. In England, Cat as a surname could have originated from the Old English word "catt," meaning 'young cat', though it was more commonly spelled Catterall in this context. The Cat family can be traced back to the 13th century in France and the 14th century in England, with notable branches migrating to other parts of Europe and eventually the Americas during later centuries. Notable individuals bearing the name include French painter Jacques-Louis David Cat, and English footballer Jack Cat.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cat"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 12 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends