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Last Name Locate

What is the origin of the last name Locate?

The last name Locate is of English or French origin. It could have been derived from the Old French word "locat," meaning "the place where." It might have been used as a locational surname for someone who lived by a particular place or landmark. Alternatively, it could have originated as a occupational surname for someone who was a locator or an official who marked boundaries or locations. The name could also have been anglicized from a similar sounding French surname.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Locate

The meaning and origin of the last name Locate

The surname Locate is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "loc", meaning "enclosure" or "enclosed place". It is believed to have been originally used to describe someone who lived near or in an enclosed area, such as a fenced-in field or settlement. The surname Locate may also have been used to denote someone who was a landowner or held a position of authority within a specific locality. Over time, variations of the surname Locate, such as Loket and Lockett, have emerged. Today, individuals with the surname Locate can be found across various English-speaking countries, with descendants often tracing their roots back to medieval England.

Geographical distribution of the last name Locate

The last name Locate is relatively uncommon and is not typically found in one specific geographical region. However, there are individuals with the last name Locate scattered across various countries around the world. Some individuals with this last name may be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe such as the United Kingdom and Germany. Due to its rarity, the surname Locate is not as prevalent as other more common last names and may be specific to certain families or lineages. It is possible that individuals with the last name Locate have migrated or moved to different regions, making their geographical distribution even more varied. The name may have different origins or meanings depending on the cultural background of the individual or family bearing the surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Locate

The last name "Locate" may have several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some possible variations include "Locat", "Lowcatt", "Locarte", "Locatelli", and "Locato". In some cases, the name may be spelled with a K instead of a C, giving us variations like "Lokate" or "Lokat". Additionally, different cultures may have their own unique spellings of the name, such as "Lokatov" in Russian or "Lochte" in German. The surname "Locate" likely originated from a specific geographical location or occupation, and over time, different branches of the family may have adopted slightly different spellings or pronunciations of the name. Despite these variations, all versions of the name likely share a common ancestry and history.

Famous people with the last name Locate

The last name "Locate" does not appear to be a widely recognized or common surname among famous people. However, there are individuals with similar sounding last names who have gained prominence in various fields. One such person is Gary Lockhart, an American actor known for his roles in films such as "Cold Mountain" and "Tuck Everlasting". Another notable individual is John Locke, an English philosopher whose ideas greatly influenced Enlightenment thinkers and are considered foundational to modern democratic thought. In the world of sports, there is also John Lackey, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for several teams throughout his career. While the last name "Locate" may not be as well-known, these individuals with similar-sounding surnames have certainly left their mark in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Locate

The surname "Locate" is of English origin and is believed to be derived from the Middle English word "loket," which means latch or lock. The name likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked as a locksmith or had a similar job related to locks and keys. Variants of the name include Locket, Lockitt, and Lockton. Records show that individuals with the surname Locate can be traced back to the early 17th century in England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. Over the years, the surname has spread to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Today, individuals with the surname Locate can be found in various parts of the world, with many continuing to carry on the family name through generations.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

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