MOATES
Moates
Moates is a surname of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "mote," meaning a meeting place or assembly ground. The surname likely originated from a person who lived near or was associated with a prominent meeting place in the medieval period.
Distribution and Historical Significance
The Moates surname is relatively rare, with most bearers found in the south of England, particularly in the counties of Kent, Sussex, and Surrey. The name's historical significance is tied to the communities and localities where individuals bearing this surname were known to reside.
Notable Individuals
Notable individuals with the surname Moates include:
- John Moates (1919-2005): A prominent agricultural scientist known for his research on crop cultivation techniques.
- Mary Moates (b. 1980): A celebrated author and poet, known for her works exploring themes of nature and cultural identity.
Variants
Variants of the Moates surname include Motes and Moate, reflecting different regional and historical spellings of the name.
The Moates surname carries with it a sense of heritage and a connection to specific geographical regions in England. Today, individuals bearing this surname continue to contribute to various fields, carrying on the legacy of their ancestors.
There are approximately 87 people named Moates in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Moates.