Achatour History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Achatour

What does the name Achatour mean?

The name Achatour has been recorded in British history since the time when the Anglo-Saxons ruled over the region. The name is assumed to have been given to someone who was a caterer. The surname Achatour 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 Achatour family

The surname Achatour 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 Achatour family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Achatour research. Another 92 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1150 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Achatour History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Achatour Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Achatour has been spelled many different ways, including Cater, Cator, Cather, Catter, Cader and others.

Early Notables of the Achatour family

More information is included under the topic Early Achatour Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Achatour family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Achatours to arrive in North America: George Cater who settled in Virginia in 1642; Mary Cator, who came to Virginia in 1726; Sarah Cater, who settled in New England in 1760; Andrew and Jane Cather, who arrived in New York in 1823 with their three children.