Cates Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Cates come from? What does the surname Cates mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Cates and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Cates Origin: What does the last name Cates mean?
The surname Cates is of American origin, first appearing in records from the United States in the early 1800s. It has remained closely associated with the United States throughout history. Notable individuals with the surname Cates include American actress Challen Cates and British Muslim convert and activist Fatima Cates.
YourRoots data confirms the growth of the Cates surname in the United States by the early 1900s. The surname remains prominent in the United States, indicating a strong presence and legacy in American history. The Cates surname continues to be recognized and celebrated in modern times, reflecting a diverse and impactful heritage.
Cates Last Name History: Where did the last name Cates come from?
Origin of Cates Surname: Where does the last name Cates originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Cates first appeared in records from the United States during the 1801.0. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Cates spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Cates: What does the Cates surname history look like in the early days?
The Cates surname remained closely associated with the United States from the 1801.0.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Cates surname today?
By the 1901.0, the volume of records with the Cates surname grew significantly in the United States. The Cates surname remains prominent in the United States.
Explore Cates last name heritage and Cates surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Cates Surame?
Phoebe Cates
Phoebe Belle Cates Kline (born Jul 16, 1963) is an American retired actress known for her roles in iconic films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) and Gremlins (1984). Starting as a teen model, Cates transitioned to acting, captivating audiences with her performances on screen. Her talent and charm led her to star in various movies and TV series, showcasing her versatility as an actress. With a mix of European and Asian heritage, Cates's unique background adds depth to her on-screen presence, making her a memorable figure in pop culture history.
Miriam Cates
Miriam Joy Cates (August 23, 1982) is a British politician who served as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge from 2019 to 2024.
Born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, Cates had a background in genetics and education before entering politics. She won her seat as part of Boris Johnson's red wall strategy, becoming the first Conservative MP in South Yorkshire since 1992. During her time in office, she was involved in various committees and initiatives, including supporting a local town fund. Despite her active role, she lost her seat in the 2024 general election to the Labour candidate.
Michael Cates
Michael Elmhirst Cates (born May 5, 1961) is a British physicist known for his work on soft matter like polymers, colloids, and liquid crystals. He currently holds the prestigious position of the 19th Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge. His research focuses on creating mathematical models to predict stress in flowing materials and theories of active matter. Cates has received numerous awards for his contributions to rheology and complex fluids, with over 350 scientific publications to his name. He is a prominent figure in the field of physics and continues to make significant contributions to the scientific community.
Gilbert Cates
Gilbert Cates (né Katz; June 6, 1934 – October 31, 2011) was an American film director, producer, and founding dean of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. He is most known for producing the Academy Awards telecast a record 14 times between 1990 and 2008. Cates directed films like "I Never Sang for My Father" and "Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams," and was credited with recruiting various hosts for the Oscars. He also served as president of the Directors Guild of America and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Challen Cates
Challen Michelle Cates (born Sep 28, 1969) is an American film producer and actress best known for her role as Jennifer Knight in the TV series Big Time Rush. She has also been the executive producer of independent films like A Fare To Remember and The A-List. Cates has appeared in various TV series and movies, including The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning. In addition to her acting career, she runs a wine company called Challen Winery. She has two children and continues to be involved in the entertainment industry.
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