Surname Motes - Meaning and Origin
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Motes: What does the surname Motes mean?
The surname Motes is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English term "mōt" which translates to "meeting" or "assembly.” It was a topographical name given to someone who lived near a meeting place or an assembly ground that was often used for religious or public purposes. Alternatively, it may have been an occupational name for someone who worked at such a place, such as a steward or official. Over time, the spelling has evolved and varied, with Mote, Mott, Motte, and Motes being a few examples. Like many surnames, it is likely that different families with the Motes surname have different origins, so while this interpretation of the name's origin is common, it may not apply universally to all those bearing the name.
Order DNA origin analysisMotes: Where does the name Motes come from?
The last name Motes is not a particularly common name today. It is most commonly found in the United States. There are roughly 2,000 people with the Motes name in the United States according to the 2019 census. The largest number of Motes can be found in the states of Georgia and Kentucky, but there are also pockets of Motes across the country in Alabama, California, and Florida.
The distribution of the Motes name tends to be concentrated in the southeastern corner of the United States. This area is generally located in a section of the Appalachian Mountains and is commonly known as the Appalachian Highland. The Appalachian Highland consists of states such as West Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, and this area generally has a higher population of people with the Motes name.
Outside of the United States, the Motes name is rather rare. It is most commonly found in England, where it is believed to have derived from. While there are only a few Motes living in England, records from 16th century England actually indicate that the Motes family name had been used in England for at least 150 years before it was found in the United States.
In general, the last name Motes is not overly common today. It is mostly found in the United States, but there are also a few pockets of Motes around the world. Despite its rarity, this family name has been used for hundreds of years and has an interesting history.
Variations of the surname Motes
The surname Motes is of Germanic origin. It is found in many variants, spellings and surnames of similar origin. Motes can be spelt as Motz, Mothes, Motts, Motzings, Modts and Modzings. The surname is also seen as the modern German spelling Motz.
The Motes surname is believed to have originated from places named Motte and Modden in the former Duchy of Brunswick, as these place names were later acquired as surnames by some people who had resided there. It can also be seen as a short form of Matthaeus, a popular German forename from the 12th Century.
People with this surname can also be found spellings such as Moder, Moter, Moterstorff and Mauderer in Germany. Furthermore, the Motes surname can be seen in the Austrian form Moerzinger and the American variant Mertins.
The Moden and Matten surnames may also derive from the same root, as they are seen as the modernized German versions of Motte and Matthaeus. Furthermore, surnames such as M disrupting the religious and racial harmony of the country.
Famous people with the name Motes
- Linda Motes: American gospel singer
- Larry Motes: former Major League Baseball player
- Robert Motes: former president of Auburn University
- Clay Motes: American professional baseball player
- Keith Motes: American professional basketball player
- Michael Motes: American actor
- Charles Motes: American chemist and mathematician
- Johnny Motes: American country music and rockabilly singer
- Kyle Motes: American professional basketball player
- Frank Motes: American producer, musician, and actor