As described in historical dictionaries

Patronymica Britannica (1860)

CATT. From the animal— like Lion, Bear, Wolf, &c. The fiimily are probably of Norman origin, and the name was written Le Chat. Ilbert de Chaz, whose tombstone is at Lacock Abbey, came from Chaz or Cats in tlieneigbourhoodofBohun. A family of Le Cat were lords of Berreuil, near Goumay, in the XV. cent. The records of Norfolk show that the name of Le Chat, Le Cat, or Catt, existed at or about Heveningham from temp. King John till the XV. cent. The Ketts of Wymondham are said to have been a branch of the family. See Pedigree, &c., in Records of House of Gournay. There was also an ancient Teutonic personal name, Cato or Cat, whence perhaps the local names Cat€by, Catton, Catcott, kc. An old family in Kent Avrote themselves De Cat, implying a local origin. Philipotfs Vill. Cant. 75.

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.


Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

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