Surname Neate - Meaning and Origin
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Neate: What does the surname Neate mean?
The surname Neate is of English origin and is derived from the Old English term meaning "at the steep land". This could refer to the position of a house, farm, or other settlement located on a steep slope, or to a steep path or road. It is believed to have been a topographic name for someone who lived on such land. In some cases, the name may have been given as a nickname to a particularly brave or generous person – “neate” originally meant brave, generous, or kind.
The earliest recorded use of the name is found in 1273 in an Essex family, and the name could have a geographical origin as well as a personal one. In some cases, the name may be derived from a place of residence, so it could also have been used for someone who had moved from a particular locality to another.
The surname Neate was most commonly found in the western county of Cornwall in England during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It is still a relatively common surname in England today, with records of its use as far north as Cumbria, right down to the south coast of England.
Overall, the surname Neate has a long history of use in England, and has strong geographical roots. It originally identified someone who was brave or generous, and remains a relatively common surname in England today.
Order DNA origin analysisNeate: Where does the name Neate come from?
The last name Neate is most common in the United Kingdom, specifically in the south-west of England. As of the 2018 census, the name is found in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. It is more common in cities, especially in Bristol and Bath.
In the UK, Neate is most commonly found in Devon, where it is the 157th most common surname. Interestingly, it is only the 285th most common surname in Cornwall, despite its proximity to Devon. It is also found in Somerset and Dorset, as well as in London and the larger metropolitan areas.
As of 2020, Neate is the 11,556th most common surname in the United States. It is mostly found in the East Coast states, with scattered communities across the rest of the country. It is particularly common in New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
Neate is an old English and Anglo-Saxon surname, derived from the Olde English pre 7th Century "niotha" meaning pure, or holy. It is also believed to have derived from the Olde English "neaht", which meant "near". The name was often used by those living near churches or monasteries.
Variations of the surname Neate
Neate is a surname of English origin that has been popular in various forms for centuries. The surname can be spelled in several variations including Neat, Neate, Neete, Neeait, Neet, and Niede. It is sometimes spelled as Néat or Néete. It is also common to find the alternative spellings of Neet, Niat, and Nyte, as well as the patronymic surnames Neates and Neats.
The surname originally derived from a Middle English word meaning "attractive" or "pleasing," and it was likely used as a descriptive nickname or byname in the medieval period. During the 13th century, the surname began to be used as a means of distinguishing among the many people living in the same region.
In British history, Neate was the name of a major land-owning family in Devon. They were descended from John Neat, a leading member of the Devonshire gentry in the 15th century, and owned many estates, primarily around Exeter.
The Neates family was prominent for centuries in English and Welsh society, producing knights, military leaders, members of Parliament, and wealthy landowners. In modern times, the surname Neate can be found predominantly in England and Wales. It is also popular in the United States, where many immigrant families settled in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Famous people with the name Neate
- Sam Neate: former Australian rules football player for the Hawthorn Football Club.
- William Neate: English cricketer in first-class matches.
- Miranda Neate: British event rider, three-time Olympian, and the first woman to win the Badminton Horse Trials.
- Derek Neate: English rugby union player who represented England in nine Test matches from 1984 to 1986.
- Harry Neate: English cricketer who played first-class cricket for Derbyshire between 1951 and 1953.
- Hy Neate: English cricketer who played one first-class match for Surrey in 1927.
- Victoria Neate: English operatic soprano, studied at the Royal Academy of Music and taught voice at the Trinity College of Music.
- Kenneth Neate: English cricketer who played eight first-class matches for Gloucestershire in 1934 and 1935.
- Maggie Neate: English actress, television writer and producer.
- Henry Neate: English cricketer who played first-class cricket for Oxford University from 1848 to 1850.