Cat History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Netherlands
England

Early Origins of the Cat family

The surname Cat was first found in Holland, where the name became noted for its many branches in the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. The name was first recorded in Amsterdam, an ancient 13th century town held by the Lords of Amstel. Giesebrecht II built a castle there. Geisbrecht III built the dam to keep out the sea. It is first mentioned in charters of 1275 when Floris IV, the count of Holland granted its charter. It became a city of great mercantile wealth. It hold great treasures of art. In their later history the surname became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into a most influential family.

Early History of the Cat family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cat research. Another 112 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1762 is included under the topic Early Cat History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cat Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Cat, Cate, Catt, Catte, Cats, Cates, Catts, Caat, Caats, van Cat and many more.

Early Notables of the Cat family

From this era of Dutch history, those of this who distinguished themselves included

the Cat family of Amsterdam

Cat migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Cat Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

William Cat, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749

Contemporary Notables of the name Cat (post 1700) +

Dao Nguyen Cát (1927-2023), Vietnamese economist, professor and journalist
Cat Jahnke (b. 1980), Canadian singer-songwriter