The Coote name is derived from the medieval English word coate, meaning a coot, and was originally a nickname for a bald person.  The family coat of arms is represented by argent, a chevron sable between three coots.  A coot is a plump bird with a short tail and is known for being noisy and argumentative.

The name is spelt in various forms but mainly Coot, Coote, Cootte, Coots and Cootes.