The surname Cabot is of French, Channel Islands (Jersey), and English (of Norman origin) descent. It is derived from the Old French and Anglo-Norman French word "cabot," which is a diminutive of "cap," meaning head. Alternatively, it could be a habitational name from places in northern France. Historically, the name was associated with John Cabot, an Italian-born British explorer who settled in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1700. The Cabots became prominent in New England by the end of the 18th century, accumulating wealth through privateering, smuggling, and trade during the American Revolution. They continued to thrive in various industries like oil and gas production, railroads, and chemicals well into the 20th century.
