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Last Name Pote

What is the origin of the last name Pote?

The surname Pote is of English origin and is derived from the Old French word "pote," which means a "foster father" or a "godfather." It was used as a nickname for someone who played the role of a godfather or foster father in the Middle Ages. The surname may also have originated from the Old English word "pott," referring to someone who worked as a potter or made pots for a living. Overall, the surname Pote likely originated as an occupational or nickname for individuals in medieval England.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Pote

Looking at the ethnic identity distribution, data from the Decennial U.S. Census suggests that the majority of people with the surname Pote identified as White, even though this percentage decreased slightly from 94.14% in 2000 to 92.22% in 2010. The number of Hispanics carrying the Pote surname showed a decrease of 7.93%. Interestingly, there was a notable increase in the presence of the Pote surname among the Black community, rising by 52.17%. Additionally, the 2010 census recorded for the first time individuals identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander under the Pote surname, while there was no change in the counts for those identifying as Two or more races, or American Indian and Alaskan Native.

20002010Change
White94.14%92.22%-2.04%
Hispanic3.91%3.6%-7.93%
Asian/Pacific Islander0%1.97%0%
Black0.69%1.05%52.17%
Two or More Races0%0%0%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0%0%

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pote

The meaning and origin of the last name Pote

The surname Pote is of English origin and is believed to derive from the Middle English word "pot," meaning a container for liquids or food. It is thought that the name may have originally been occupational, referring to a potter or someone who made or sold pots. Alternatively, it could have been a nickname given to someone who was round or full-bodied like a pot. The name Pote may also have derived from a place name, referring to someone who lived near a pot-shaped geographical feature. Overall, the surname Pote likely has varied origins and meanings, ultimately reflecting the diverse ways in which surnames have developed over time in the English-speaking world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pote

The last name Pote is primarily found in India, especially in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. In Gujarat, Pote is a commonly encountered surname among the Patel community, while in Maharashtra, it is prevalent among the Marathi Brahmins and other upper-caste groups. The surname Pote also has a presence in other parts of India, such as Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan. Additionally, there are individuals with the last name Pote residing in countries outside of India, particularly in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, due to migration and globalization. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Pote indicates a concentration in specific regions of India, but with a dispersed presence in other parts of the world as well.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pote

The last name Pote has various variations and spellings such as Pott, Potee, Potti, Potea, Potie, and Pottes. These different forms could have been a result of phonetic changes, regional dialects, or even errors in documentation over time. The surname Pote may have different spellings depending on the country of origin or individual family preference. It is not uncommon for last names to have multiple variations, especially as they are passed down through generations. Regardless of the spelling, the surname Pote likely has a common origin and history that connects individuals who bear the name. The variations and spellings of Pote add to the complex tapestry of surnames and demonstrate the diverse ways in which language evolves and changes over time.

Famous people with the last name Pote

One famous person with the last name Pote is Lauren Pote. She is a well-known American actress who has appeared in a variety of films and television shows. Another famous individual with the last name Pote is Christopher Pote, a successful entrepreneur and business leader. He is known for his innovative ideas and successful ventures in the corporate world. Finally, there is also David Pote, a renowned chef and cookbook author known for his delicious and creative culinary creations. These individuals with the last name Pote have each made significant contributions to their respective fields and have achieved great success in their careers.

Genealogical research on the last name Pote

The last name Pote has its origins in England, with records dating back to the 13th century. The name is believed to have derived from the Old French word "pote," meaning a small pot or vessel, possibly indicating a potter or someone who worked with pots. The Pote family has been traced through various census records, church registers, and other historical documents, showing a long history of settlement in various regions of England. Over the centuries, the Pote surname has spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, where descendants of the original family have continued to grow and expand. Researching the genealogy of the Pote name can provide valuable insights into the history and migration patterns of the family over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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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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