Last Name Coates

Learn more about the origin of the last name Coates

The meaning and origin of the last name Coates

The surname Coates is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "cot" or "coat," which means 'hut' or 'shelter.' Initially, it was likely a topographic name for someone who lived in a small shelter or cottage, or a habitation name from any of the numerous places so named across England. The name is also found in various forms such as Coates, Cotes, Coate, and Cote. It became increasingly common during the Middle Ages due to the migration of people from rural areas into towns, leading to an increase in the need for distinctive surnames. Over time, the spelling has evolved with changes in the English language.

Geographical distribution of the last name Coates

The surname Coates is predominantly distributed across England and Scotland, where it is considered a common surname. In England, its highest concentrations are found in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Greater London, reflecting historical settlement patterns and migration from northern England to urban centers. In Scotland, the name is most prevalent in the Central Belt, particularly in Glasgow and the Lothians, indicating a strong Scottish influence. Smaller populations of Coates can also be found in Ireland, Wales, and North America, likely due to emigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The name may derive from various places named Coate or Cotes in England and Scotland, suggesting an origin based on place-name adoption.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coates

The surname Coates is primarily of English origin and has several variations and spellings. Some common versions include Cotes, Coats, Coet, Coatts, Coetzee (of Afrikaner descent), and Coade.

The name is thought to have originated from the Old French word "cote," meaning "side" or "hill." It was often used as a topographical name for someone who lived on a particular hill, or more commonly in this context, a nickname for someone with a prominent profile, suggesting a tall or broad individual.

Throughout history, the surname has been found in various countries and regions, including England, Wales, South Africa, and the United States. Notable individuals bearing the name Coates include James Coats, the Scottish industrialist who founded J & P Coats, a major thread manufacturer; and Ta-Nehisi Coates, an American author, journalist, and educator.

The various spellings of the name reflect changes in pronunciation and orthography over time, as well as differences in local customs and conventions for recording names. Despite these variations, all versions of the name share a common ancestry and are considered derivatives of the original Old French term "cote."

Famous people with the last name Coates

Samuel Leroy Coates and Ta-Nehisi Coates are two notable individuals sharing the surname Coates.

Samuel Leroy Coates (1803-1870), an American abolitionist, was a colonel in the Kansas Volunteer Militia during the Bleeding Kansas conflict and later fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War, where he earned the rank of brigadier general.

Ta-Nehisi Coates (b. 1975), an American author, journalist, and educator, is known for his works exploring race and culture in America. He has written for The Atlantic and authored several books, including "Between the World and Me" and "The Water Dancer," which have earned him multiple awards such as the National Book Award for Nonfiction. In 2018, he became the first African-American to write a major American superhero comic book series when he took over writing duties on Marvel Comics' Black Panther.

Genealogical research on the last name Coates

The surname Coates originates from Old English and Norse roots, with variations such as Cotes, Coats, Coatese, and Coet. It is believed to be derived from place names meaning "a hollow by the river" or "the hollow by the goat pasture."

The name has been recorded in England since at least the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as both Cote and Cotes. Early notable bearers include William de Coetes in Yorkshire during the 12th century and Roger de la Cotes who held lands in Somerset in the 13th century.

Over time, the name spread to other parts of Britain and beyond, particularly to Ireland, Scotland, and North America. Notable figures with the surname include Sir Henry Coates (died 1425), Chief Justice of England; Sir John Coats (1810-1861), Scottish industrialist who founded the Coats Patent Thread Company; and Sir Charles Hard Townes (born 1915), American physicist who shared the Nobel Prize in Physics for the invention of the maser and laser.

Today, the name Coates is most common in England, Scotland, and Ireland, but can also be found worldwide due to migration over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Coates"
• 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 : 27 July 2025