Origin & Meaning of the Cater Surname
What does the last name Cater mean?
The surname Cater carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,926 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cater ranks as the #8,419 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cater come from?
The Cater surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Cater name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cater trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Cater |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,419 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,926 |
| Per 100K People | 1.33 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cater
According to the US Census, the Cater surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,926 Americans with the Cater last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 75.65% |
| Black | 17.65% |
| Hispanic | 2.73% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.4% |
| Native American | 0.41% |
| Two or More Races | 2.17% |
Popularity of Cater Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cater surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cater surname increased by 167 between 2000 and 2010.
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Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Cater ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Cater Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Cater
- ✓ The Cater coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Cater families live today
- ✓ Notable Cater bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Cater
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cater.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Cater.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cater
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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