Dear Coates List, I am a U.K. Family Historian, with obviously an interest in COATES surname. I have not mailed on this subject previously as I had no wish to appear rude or cause discord, however I am surprised that COATES researchers in U.S. often appear to be interested in COLE/COAL/COALE as well as COTS/COTES/COATS/COATES. I would not and never have equated the two surnames, as phonetics I believe are the key; how it sounds is how people write it, accent, dialect and education all play a part. In original documents in the U.K. I have seen the same persons name spelt COATS and COATES within the same document. My understanding of the meaning/etymology of the surname is that is has the same root as COTTAGE, i.e. as in (sheep) COTE; (dove) COTE; (baby's) COT; COTTAR (cottage dweller). There is a very, very small place in Yorkshire called MUSCOATES, I am given to understand the meaning of this is 'mouse infested houses'. Imagine that. I am interested to know your thoughts on this, and I also wish to stress that I have no wish to cause offence. Regards CFH Selby, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom Researching: COATES and CHAPMAN of Palmyra, Wayne County, New York State 1848 to present Francis COATES of Trumbull, Ohio 1829 to present COATES of Hawnby, Brawby, Salton, Escrick, Deighton, Huttons Ambo etc Yorkshire.U.K.