An Anglo-Saxon name, derived from the word cote meaning small cottage, suggesting the bearer lived in same. The most famous Coats are the thread-making family of Paisley including brothers Sir Peter Coats (1808-90) and Thomas Coats (1809-83), together with Thomas's son George Coats
(Lord Glentanar; 1849 - 1918) and Peter's son Sir James Coats (1834 - 1913).