Cato is a Roman cognomem used by a branch of the Porcii family. At least two Roman politicians are known to use this name:
- Marcus Porcius Cato, the Elder, (2nd century BC), the censor
- Marcus Porcius Cato, the Younger, (1st century BC), his great-grandson, Julius Caesar enemy
Cato is also a 18th century play by Joseph Addison, based upon the life of Cato the Younger. In this dramatic text, Cato is portraied as a hero, fighting for liberty against the tyranny of Julius Caesar. The play is reported to be one of George Washington favourite literature, perhaps because of the fight of the Americans against the oppresion of the English.