Surname Mathern - Meaning and Origin
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Mathern: What does the surname Mathern mean?
The last name Mathern is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "mazenwerke," which translates to "ceiling of a tower." The name is most likely related to the occupation of stonemasons, suggesting that the original bearer of the name was a builder of stone ceilings.
The name Mathern is most commonly found in Germany, as well as South Africa, parts of Central Europe and Canada. In Germany, the Mathern surname can be traced back as far as the 13th century.
In more recent times, the Mathern name has been associated with a prominent family in the United States, the Matherns of Massachusetts. This family traces their lineage back to Edward Mathern of Devon, England, who emigrated to the American colonies in 1630 and was one of the earliest settlers in Massachusetts.
The Mathern family eventually produced a number of notable individuals, including prominentpolitician and essayist Thomas Mather, a signer of the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780, and William Ellery Channing, a theologian and orator who played an integral role in the founding of the Transcendentalist movement.
The Mathern name continues to have prominence today, with countless individuals carrying the name in both America and elsewhere. Despite its long history, the Mathern name still encompasses the perseverance and strength of those who have come before.
Order DNA origin analysisMathern: Where does the name Mathern come from?
The last name Mathern is most commonly seen in the United States today, though it can also be found in other parts of the world. It is a patronymic type of surname, which is derived from a father's given name. In this case, Mathern is thought to have originated from the Middle English given name, Mather.
The highest concentrations of the last name Mathern can be found in the country of Canada, as well as in the states of Ohio, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, according to the US Census Bureau. It is also relatively common in Germany and Austria.
In the US, the largest number of people with the Mathern surname live in Minnesota, with 14,788 individuals recorded in the US Census of 2010. In Ohio, the second most populous state, the Mathern name is considerably less prevalent, with just 5,695 individuals recorded in the census.
As might be expected in such an international surname, there are many variant spellings of the Mathern family name. These can include Masterman, Maddren, Maddern, Madran, and Matheren.
Variations of the surname Mathern
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Mathern include Matharn, Maethern, Maethern, Maithern, Matheren, Matheran, Matheron, Mathers, Mattinger, Maderen, Methern, Mederen, and Methorn. All of these surnames are related and share the same root word, which comes from the Old English words 'mæth' and 'êorn' meaning 'favourable enclosure.' The Mathern surname originated in England and is found most often in Lancashire and Cheshire. Records indicate that it was first found in Lancashire, where a Hugh Mathern was recorded in 1379.
The Mathern surname is also found in Germany, likely due to immigration from England. Over time the English and German spelling of the name merged, leading to variants such as Methern and Maderen. This is because certain letters changed in pronunciation over the centuries and other spellings developed. In Germany, this name was first found in Bavaria, where the Matharn family appeared in documents from the end of the 15th century.
In the United States, the Mathern surname likely arrived with early English settlers. The name appears most often in Pennsylvania, where it is also found in the spelling variations of Maethern and Mattinger. The name was first recorded in 1740, when Jacob Matharn arrived in Philadelphia with his wife and children.
As the surname spread to other areas of the world, other spellings and variations emerged. For example, in Australia, Mathers is commonly found. In other parts of the world, such as Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa, the Mathern name is often recorded in spellings such as Matheron and Maithern.
Overall, the surname Mathern has many different spellings and variants that are all derived from the same root word. These spellings can be found all over the world, with each country having its own unique variation.
Famous people with the name Mathern
- Kenneth Mathern: Actor, filmmaker and photographer
- Ben Mathern: Business executive and entrepreneur
- Jessica Matherne: Emmy-winning journalist
- Bob Matherne: Former professional tennis player
- Aaron Mathern: Professional golfer
- Cal Mathern: NASCAR driver
- Nathan Mathern: Olympic athlete
- Mark Mathern: Comedian and actor
- Scott Mathern: Soccer coach and former player
- Skylar Mathern: Professional surfer
- Tara Matherne: Writer and poet
- Brad Mathern: Voice actor and musician
- Lou Mathern: Stand up comic
- Patricia Mathern: Academy Award-winning actress
- Donna Mathern: Singer, musician and songwriter
- Marc Matherne: Broadway actor
- Seth Matherne: Software engineer
- Paul Matherne: Animal welfare activist
- Stephen Mathern: Political strategist and consultant
- Stewart Matherne: Public speaker