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Coates Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Coates Surname

The Coates surname, of English and Scottish origin, is traditionally a locational name derived from places named Coates or Cotes in England. Stemming from the Old English term "cot" or "cote," meaning cottage or shelter, the name initially identified individuals associated with these locations, such as lords of the manor or those who moved between villages. The Coates family is also noted for its noble ties, tracing back to Norman ancestry, with early records found in Staffordshire.

Geographically, the Coates surname spread widely across England by the 13th century, appearing in counties like Norfolk, Buckinghamshire, and Lincolnshire, as documented in the Hundredorum Rolls. By the 14th century, the name had taken root in Yorkshire, and later in Ireland in the early 18th century, where they established estates. The Coates family extended its reach to America by the 17th century, with Sir John Coates acquiring land in Maryland, marking the beginning of the Coates genealogy in the New World.

YourRoots data supports the widespread historical presence of the Coates family, confirming its establishment in both England and Ireland during the medieval period. The transition from De Cote to Coates in records as early as the 14th century aligns with YourRoots findings, which trace the surname's evolution across regions, highlighting its entrenchment in UK heritage.

For genealogy enthusiasts researching the Coates family tree, YourRoots provides valuable Coates records, reinforcing historical accounts and offering insights into the family's geographic expansion. This resource is indispensable for constructing a comprehensive Coates genealogy, aiding researchers in connecting historical narratives with contemporary family ties.

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Tracing Your Coates Family Lineage

Currently, YourRoots Map does not yet have enough verified historical and migration data to provide a detailed analysis of the Coates surname. However, we’re continuously expanding our global database using family trees, historical records, and DNA-based connections contributed by our growing community of researchers.

As more data becomes available, this page will be updated to include an in-depth look at the [SURNAME] family’s regional origins, early historical records, and migration patterns across centuries.

Famous People with Coates (and Their Family Tree)

Kim Coates

Kim Coates

Kim Frederick Coates, a distinguished Canadian-American actor, is renowned for his versatile performances across Canadian and American film and television. Notably, he portrayed Stanley Kowalski on Broadway and held the lead role of Macbeth at the Stratford Festival. Coates is best recognized for his role as Alexander "Tig" Trager in FX's Sons of Anarchy and as Declan Gardiner in Citytv's Bad Blood. His extensive filmography includes roles in movies like Black Hawk Down and Goon. In 2018, Coates won the Dora Mavor Moore Award for his outstanding performance in Jez Butterworth's play Jerusalem. He also secured a Canadian Screen Award for his role in Bad Blood.

Kim Coates was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, to Frederick and Joyce Coates. He pursued acting after being inspired by a drama course at the University of Saskatchewan.

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Ta-Nehisi Coates, born September 30, 1975, is a prominent American author, journalist, and activist renowned for his insightful writings on cultural, social, and political issues, particularly concerning African Americans and white supremacy. A former national correspondent for The Atlantic, Coates's acclaimed works include "Between the World and Me," which won the 2015 National Book Award for Nonfiction. He has also gained recognition for his Black Panther and Captain America series for Marvel Comics. Coates's contributions have earned him a MacArthur Fellowship, highlighting his significant impact on contemporary discourse.

Ta-Nehisi Coates was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to William Paul Coates, a Vietnam War veteran, former Black Panther, and founder of Black Classic Press, and Cheryl Lynn Coates, a teacher. Raised in a close-knit family, Coates was one of seven children from his father's relationships with four women. His upbringing was deeply influenced by his father's dedication to African-American literature and community values, shaping Coates's future career and perspectives.

Laura Coates

Laura Coates

Laura Gayle Coates, born on July 11, 1979, is a renowned American legal analyst and television broadcaster, celebrated for her role as CNN's chief legal analyst since 2023. Formerly a federal prosecutor, Coates specialized in civil rights enforcement at the U.S. Department of Justice. She has also served as a trial attorney and is recognized for her contributions as a legal commentator on CNN, hosting Laura Coates Live. Coates is an author of two books, including "Just Pursuit: A Black Prosecutor's Fight for Fairness," and an adjunct professor at George Washington University School of Law.

Laura Coates was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, before moving to Minnesota in the fourth grade. She is the youngest of three sisters, and her father was a dentist.

Phyllis Coates

Phyllis Coates

Phyllis Coates, born Gypsie Ann Evarts Stell, was an accomplished American actress best known for her role as Lois Lane in the 1951 film "Superman and the Mole Men" and the first season of the television series "Adventures of Superman." Her career spanned over fifty years, encompassing notable performances in film, television, and stage. Coates showcased her versatility with roles in "Jungle Drums of Africa," "I Was a Teenage Frankenstein," and "Girls in Prison," and was a familiar face in iconic series like "Perry Mason," "Gunsmoke," and "Rawhide," making her a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Phyllis Coates was born on January 15, 1927, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to William Robert Rush Stell and Lorraine "Luzzie" Jack Teel. After completing her studies at Odessa High School, she relocated to Los Angeles with her mother. Coates pursued further education at Los Angeles City College, setting the stage for her prolific career in Hollywood.

Melissa Coates

Melissa Coates

Melissa Lavinia Coates (1969–2021) was a multifaceted Canadian talent, known for her significant contributions to professional wrestling, bodybuilding, fitness modeling, and acting. She gained fame through her appearances in Game Show Network's "Extreme Dodgeball" and WWE's developmental territories such as Ohio Valley Wrestling and Deep South Wrestling. As a professional bodybuilder, Coates earned her pro status by winning the 1994 Canadian Championships and later achieved notable success with a victory at the 1996 Jan Tana Classic. In wrestling, she worked as a valet for Sabu and won the NWA/GCW Women's Championship in 2007, showcasing her versatility and impact in various entertainment fields.

Coates Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Coates" is of English and Scottish origin, deriving from locations in England such as Coates in Cambridgeshire or Cotes in Leicestershire. It originates from the Old English word "cot" or "cote," meaning cottage or shelter. Additionally, Coates is associated with a noble family of Norman background, first found in Staffordshire, with historical records dating back to the 12th century.

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Where to Find Genealogy Records for Coates

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Coates family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Coates surname to learn more.

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