Surname Mathaeus - Meaning and Origin

Mathaeus: What does the surname Mathaeus mean?

The surname Mathaeus is a patronymic surname and is believed to be of German origin. The surname Mathaeus is derived from the Hebrew name Matityahu meaning ‘gift of Jehovah’. It is believed that the surname first originated from a number of families living in the regions now known as Germany.

The name Mathaeus first began appearing in records in the 14th century and was likely derived from the name of the Biblical figure Matthias, who replaced Judas Isacriot as one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. The name Mathaeus would have been popular in the medieval era as a result of the religious significance it held.

The Mathaeus surname is found primarily in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic today. Though there is no specific coat of arms associated with the Mathaeus surname, Mathaeus families from Germany often used three black towers on a silver and yellow shield as their family crest.

The name Mathaeus is believed to represent wisdom, loyalty and justice, qualities which those with the surname likely hoped to embody to honour their patronymic. Mathaeuses were often hard-working and practical people whose values often helped them become successful in whatever career they chose. Today, the Mathaeus surname is still found in countries across Europe and their descendants are proud of their heritage and strive to embody the values their forefathers believed.

Mathaeus: Where does the name Mathaeus come from?

The last name Mathaeus is most commonly found in Europe, especially in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It is a fairly common name in these countries but not so much elsewhere in the world.

In Germany, Mathaeus is the 11th most popular surname in East and West Prussia. In Austria, Mathaeus is the 27th most frequent name, with the majority of Mathaeuss standing out in Vienna or Tyrol. In Switzerland, Mathaeus is the 38th most frequent last name.

Although Mathaeus may not be particularly common in other parts of the world, it can still be found in places like South Africa, the United States, Canada, and Australia. In South Africa it is particularly common among the Afrikaans-speaking population, where it ranks 68th, while in the United States it has been around since at least the 1830s and it is currently ranked at around 4,800th. In Canada and Australia, Mathaeus is less common, ranking 31,240th and 33,689th respectively.

Mathaeus is a strong-sounding name, and one that is sure to turn a few heads anywhere you go. Its origin can be traced all the way back to the Roman Empire, and it has endured since then. Despite being not as common as surnames such as Smith or Johnson, Mathaeus is still a distinctive name with unique origins that is sure to make an impression.

Variations of the surname Mathaeus

The spelling and surnames of Mathaeus have many variants depending on the language and culture from which the individual originates. Many of the most common variants and surnames of Mathaeus include: Matthäus, MacMathias, Matheaus, MacMahew, MacMeheux, Matheis, Mathews, MacMatthis, MacMatty, Mathas, Mathay, Mathe, Mattay, Methaus, Mattaus, and Mathes.

In Austria and Germany, the spelling of the surname Mathaeus is typically Matthäus, with a double ‘a’. In Ireland, the most common variant is MacMathias, with a ‘ Mac’ preceding the name.

In England, the surname Mathaeus is often spelled Matheis, with an ‘i’ replacing the ‘a’. In France, the variant Mathias is most common. In Scotland, the MacMahew surname is popular, with a ‘ Mac’ preceding the name. From Nova Scotia, Canada, the MacMeheux surname is most common, with a ‘ Mac’ preceding the name.

In the United States, especially in Pennsylvania, the surname Mathaeus is often spelled with two ‘t’s, as in Mathas. This spelling is a combination of the German Matthäus and the Welsh Mathews. Another variant is Mattay, with double ‘t’s and an ‘a’ replacing an ‘e’. In Norway, the surname Mathaeus is often spelled Methaus, with a double ‘t’. While in Belgium, the variant Mattaus is most common.

Overall, the many variants spellings and surnames of Mathaeus provide insight into language, culture, and ethnicity. Every spelling or surname has its own unique history and details connected to someone’s family origin.

Famous people with the name Mathaeus

• Lothar Matthäus: Lothar Matthäus is a retired German footballer who played as a midfielder. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
• Pippa Mathaeus: Pippa Mathaeus is a British actress and writer. She is known for her work in Mysteries of Laura and You're the Worst.
• Sebastian Mathaeus: Sebastian Mathaeus is an actor, writer, and producer. He is known for his work in the television series The Mindy Project.
• Heike Mathaeus: Heike Mathaeus is a German actress and voice actress. She is known for her voice work in the anime television series Sailor Moon.
• Herman Mathaeus: Herman Mathaeus was a Danish architect who worked in the Baroque style. He was notable for his works in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark.
• Martin Mathaeus: Martin Mathaeus was a Danish illustrator. He was best known for his fantasy comic strips.
• Armin Mathaeus: Armin Mathaeus was a German neurologist and psychiatrist who worked in the early 20th century. He is best known for his work on memory disorders.
• Viktor Mathaeus: Viktor Mathaeus was a German physicist and mathematician who worked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was best known for his work on the mathematical properties of electrical machinery.
• Ferdinand Mathaeus: Ferdinand Mathaeus was a German botanist specialising in the study of algae and mosses.
• Stephen Mathaeus: Stephen Mathaeus is an American actor and director. He is best known for his work in the television series Southland.

Other surnames

Mathaei