Gaither History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe name Gaither is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was originally a name for someone who worked as a caterer. The surname Gaither was an official name, "the cater," derived from the Old French ale catour, a title meaning a buyer of groceries for the gentleman's house. They were in charge of maintaining provisions in manors and castles. The cater's job assumed a great importance during extended sieges of his lord's castle, which could last for years. Early Origins of the Gaither familyThe surname Gaither was first found in Berkshire, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D. William le Catur who was documented in the year 1273 in Essex and a few years later, Bernard le Acatour was listed in 1300 in Somerset. William Katerer was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Early History of the Gaither familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gaither research. Another 92 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1150 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Gaither History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Gaither Spelling VariationsIt is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Gaither are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Gaither include Cater, Cator, Cather, Catter, Cader and others. Early Notables of the Gaither familyMore information is included under the topic Early Gaither Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Gaither RankingIn the United States, the name Gaither is the 2,578th most popular surname with an estimated 12,435 people with that name. 1
Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Gaither or a variant listed above: Gaither Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Gaither Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
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